PHE of International Concern

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Context:

• On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

Details:

• An amount of US$ 15 million will be needed initially to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities.
• WHO has released US$ 1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and may need to release more in the coming days.

What is Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

• It is a formal declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding an extraordinary public health situation.
• It is a mechanism established under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to address health risks that have the potential to cross borders and require a coordinated international response.

KNOW IN DETAIL ABOUT International Health Regulations (IHR)- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/amendments-to-international-health-regulations

This definition implies a situation that is:

• serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;
• carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and
• may require immediate international action.

About Mpox (Monkeypox):

• Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over a decade ago.
• The disease has seen sporadic outbreaks in the past, but the recent surge in cases has raised global alarm.
• In 2023, a new strain (clade 1b) emerged in the DRC, leading to a rapid increase in reported cases and fatalities.
• Mpox is caused by an orthopoxvirus. It was first detected in humans in 1970 and is endemic to countries in central and west Africa.
• The latest determination of a PHEIC for mpox is the second in two years.

READ IN DETAIL- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/mpox-virus

Reasons for the PHEIC Declaration: The WHO’s decision to declare mpox a PHEIC was driven by several factors:

• Rapid Increase in Cases: There has been a substantial rise in mpox cases, with more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths reported as of August 2024.
• Geographical Spread: Mpox has spread beyond the DRC to neighboring countries that had never reported cases before, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
• Underreporting: Experts believe the actual number of cases is higher due to underreporting. Many clinically compatible cases have not been tested.
• Emergence of a New Strain: Clade 1b has shown a rapid spread, mainly through sexual networks, exacerbating the situation.

Implications of the PHEIC Declaration

Declaring mpox as a PHEIC has several implications:

• International Coordination: It requires international collaboration to prevent and control the spread of the disease. This involves sharing information, resources, and strategies among affected and at-risk countries.
• Resource Allocation: The declaration triggers the allocation of emergency funds and resources to manage the outbreak effectively.
• Public Awareness: It raises global awareness about the disease, encouraging public health measures and personal preventive practices.
• Vaccine Deployment: Currently, there are two vaccines in use for mpox. The declaration speeds up the distribution and administration of these vaccines to control the outbreak.

Conclusion

• The declaration of a PHEIC is a critical tool in global health governance. It underscores the need for a swift, coordinated response to health crises that can transcend borders.
• The case of mpox highlights the challenges and urgency associated with managing infectious diseases in a globally interconnected world.
• By understanding and addressing these challenges, the international community can mitigate the impacts of such health emergencies more effectively.

Must read articles:

World Health Assembly

Reference:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/who-declares-mpox-as-public-health-emergency-of-international-concern