The WHO declares monkeypox a public health emergency
The World Health Organization on Saturday declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency.
“I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Issuing a Public Health Emergency of International Concern enhances coordination and sharing of resources and information among nations. The declaration comes even though the WHO emergency committee considering whether or not to issue the emergency declaration had failed to reach a consensus.
Tedros said the outbreak is spreading rapidly and there is a “clear risk of further international spread.”
The monkeypox outbreak is largely among men who have sex with men and have multiple sexual partners. There are more than 16,000 cases globally and according to the Centers for Disease Control, 2,891 cases have been confirmed in the U.S.
There are vaccines available for monkeypox, but those supplies are strained.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 191,000 doses have thus far been delivered to states and city health departments. HHS says the federal government will have close to 7 million doses by mid-2023
NPR
More Stories
World Health Organization searches for new monkeypox name
Poxy McPoxface, TRUMP-22 or Mpox: these are some of the ideas sent in by the public to the World Health Organisation as it seeks a new name for monkeypox.
Biden signs climate, tax and health bill into law
US President Joe Biden has signed a $700bn (£579bn) bill that aims to fight climate change and healthcare costs while...
Trump arch-enemy ousted in Wyoming election
Voters in the US state of Wyoming have ousted congresswoman Liz Cheney, a rare Republican critic of former President Donald...
20 people killed in bus-oil tanker crash in Pakistan
As many as 20 people were killed in a bus-oil tanker crash in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Tuesday.
Brazil’s Lula leads over Bolsonaro in presidential race – poll
Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has a 12 percent lead over far-right incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of the October election, according to a new poll published on Monday.
Scott Morrison’s secret ministerial appointments likely legal, experts say
Former prime minister Scott Morrison’s secret ministerial appointments raise questions about whether his actions will fall under the scope of the promised federal integrity body.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to provide an update today after receiving briefings from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, following revelations Morrison secretly appointed himself as joint minister in the health, finance and resources portfolios during his term of government.