“SPEAK OUT” – ZNPHI on the Declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) (article 12) due to its rapid spread in Africa. This followed the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) declaring it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security on August 13, 2024. The rapid spread of a new virus strain, clade 1b, along with cross-border transmission to previously unaffected countries, necessitated the declaration of the ongoing Mpox outbreak as a PHEIC. A PHEIC is a formal declaration by WHO of an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response.
This declaration has significant implications, especially for affected and at-risk countries. It will help mobilise specific response resources, including unlocking access to essential funding, and strategic vaccine stockpiles. Additionally, it will prompt international coordination of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), surveillance, and epidemic response against Mpox.

Previous Mpox Outbreaks
Mpox, an Orthopoxvirus (similar to viruses that cause small pox), was first detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is considered endemic to Central and West Africa. However, in recent years, Mpox cases have steadily increased, spreading to countries. The current PHEIC declaration is the second related to Mpox in two years; it was first declared a PHEIC by WHO from July 2022 to May 2023. During that time, 7,146 suspected cases were reported in 2022, and 14,957 cases in 2023.

Zambia Remains on High Alert
As of the current declaration, Mpox has affected at least 12 countries, with over 17,000 suspected cases reported in 2024. Of these, 2,863 have been laboratory confirmed and 517 have resulted in deaths. The vast majority of cases, and about 87% of the deaths have occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fortunately, Zambia has not reported any confirmed cases of Mpox. Despite this, your disease intelligence agency, Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), remains vigilant and on high alert. ZNPHI has activated a robust surveillance system that is actively monitoring potential Mpox cases in communities and healthcare facilities. The system is swiftly identifying and responding to any suspected cases. Additionally, a National Contingency Plan for Mpox has been developed, with orientation of staff and enhanced screening at all points of entry, especially at international borders identified as priorities. The country also has diagnostic capacity at the Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

While we await the WHO’s temporary recommendations, safeguarding Zambia from a potential Mpox outbreak requires collective action. We must maintain ‘high alert’ at all levels of our health system and ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to inform public health actions. Our geographical proximity to DRC with a very long 2,388 kilometer border stretch through which people freely cross, makes us particularly at high risk

For further information or assistance, please visit the Ministry of Health or ZNPHI websites and follow their social media platforms. You can also contact ZNPHI via their information lines at 0974 493553, 0953 898941, or 0964 638726. Alternatively, you can call the toll-free line 909 on MTN and Zamtel networks

Further reading

1. Africa Centre for Disease and Prevention, 2024. Africa CDC Declares Mpox a public health emergency of continental security, mobilizing resources across the continent. Available online: https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-declares-mpox-a-public-health-emergency-of-continental-security-mobilizing-resources-across-the-continent/#:~:text=Addis%20Ababa%2C%20Ethiopia%2C%2013%20Aug,since%20its%20inception%20in%202017. [Accessed 15th August, 2024].
2. World Health Organisation, 2024. WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Available at: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-08-2024-who-director-general-declares- mpox-outbreak-a-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern. [Accessed 15th August, 2024].
3. Zambia National Public Health Institute, 2024. Epidemiology bulletin: Week 31, 2024. Lusaka: Zambia National Public Health Institute. 4. World Health Organization, 2005. International health regulations. 3rd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241580410 [Accessed 16 August 2024].
4. World Health Organization, 2005. International health regulations. 3rd ed. Geneva: World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241580410 [Accessed 16 August 2024].