WHO says mpox outbreak in Africa no longer an international health emergency

The World Health Organization on Friday said it no longer considers the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa to be an international public health emergency, the agency’s director-general announced after receiving advice from a special emergency panel.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters he had accepted the panel’s recommendation that the situation no longer met the criteria for the agency’s highest level of alert. The emergency declaration, issued in August of last year, triggers pooled international resources, enhanced public awareness campaigns and other measures aimed at slowing spread and supporting affected countries.

A new form of mpox emerged in early 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries and spread primarily through close contact, including sexual contact, the agency said. WHO declared the outbreak a global health emergency in August 2024 as cases and transmission patterns prompted international concern.

"Of course, lifting the emergency declaration does not mean the threat is over, nor that our response will stop," Tedros said. He said WHO will continue to support surveillance, prevention and clinical management efforts in affected countries and monitor the situation closely.

The emergency committee established after last year’s declaration assessed epidemiological data, health-system readiness and progress in control measures before advising that the outbreak no longer constituted a public health emergency of international concern. WHO did not specify in its initial statement the precise metrics that led to the change in status.

Mpox is a rare disease caused by infection with a virus and can result in fever, rash and lesions. The recent outbreak in central Africa drew particular attention because of the appearance of a variant early in 2024 and its spread by close physical contact. Health officials have said targeted public-health measures, community engagement, and clinical care for cases have been central to reducing transmission.

Lifting an emergency declaration does not remove WHO’s ability to deploy technical support or coordinate resources. The agency said it will maintain surveillance activities and continue to work with national health authorities, partners and communities to prevent further spread and to ensure ready access to diagnostics, treatment and preventive guidance where needed.

Public health experts have underscored that downgrading the international alert level aims to reflect changing global risk assessments rather than signal an end to national responses. Countries in the region will remain focal points for support and monitoring to address any residual transmission and protect vulnerable populations.

The decision comes amid calls from some member states for WHO to tailor its responses to evolving outbreaks while ensuring sustained support for countries with ongoing transmission. Tedros said WHO’s work would continue, emphasizing that the agency’s operational and technical assistance would remain available to affected nations and communities as long as it was needed.

WHO will continue to publish updates and guidance as the situation develops and has encouraged countries to maintain clinical surveillance, report cases promptly, and engage in public information campaigns to reduce transmission risks and link patients to care.