WHO introduces global strategic preparedness and response plan to stop outbreaks of human-to-human transmission of mpox

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to curb human-to-human transmission of mpox, following the Director-General's declaration of a public health emergency on August 14. Covering September 2024 to February 2025, the plan involves WHO, Member States, Africa CDC, and other partners, with an estimated $135 million funding requirement.

Key priorities include enhancing surveillance, prevention, research, and equitable access to medical countermeasures, with vaccination efforts focusing on high-risk groups. WHO is collaborating with global partners to ensure coordinated preparedness and response. A virtual scientific conference on August 29-30, 2024, will align research with outbreak control efforts.

WHO's incident management teams are scaling up activities in affected regions, particularly in Africa, where WHO AFRO and Africa CDC will lead the response with a unified plan. National strategies will be adapted based on current epidemiological trends.