Monkeypox

The WHO's declaration of monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) underscores the seriousness of the situation regarding the disease's spread and its potential global implications. Here's a breakdown of the situation and its significance:

Key Points from the WHO Declaration

• Scope of the Emergency:
• The declaration affects 116 countries, with 99,176 cases and 208 deaths reported since 2022. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African nations are experiencing the highest impact.
• A worrying trend is the emergence of a new sexually transmissible strain of the virus, specifically clade Ib, which has not been commonly reported before.
• Definition of PHEIC:
• A PHEIC is an extraordinary event that poses a public health risk across countries through the international spread of disease.
• This label is intended to catalyze coordinated global responses, including potential funding for vaccine and treatment distribution.

About Monkeypox

• Nature of the Virus:
• Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus, the same family as smallpox. It was first identified in animals in 1958.
• Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
• Treatment:
• There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, but the Vaccinia vaccine used against smallpox shows about 85% efficacy in preventing monkeypox.

Reasons for Current Concern

• The rise of clade Ib, primarily transmitted through sexual contact, raises alarms since this form of transmission was previously undocumented for clade I infections.
• Neighboring countries of the DRC, like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, are reporting over 100 cases of clade Ib, indicating a potential increase in transmission dynamics.

Risks for India

• India faced 27 cases and one death during the 2022 outbreak, mostly linked to the less deadly clade II. Initially, these infections were connected to international travel but began spreading locally.
• Experts warn that the current surge of monkeypox in Africa, alongside the emergence of a sexually transmissible strain, signals a global emergency, necessitating vigilance and preparedness in other regions, including India.

Conclusion

The WHO's declaration aims to galvanize international efforts to control the outbreak, enhance surveillance, and promote research into vaccines and treatments. Continued monitoring of the situation is essential, especially concerning potential new transmission routes and their implications for public health worldwide.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Foundation and Structure:
• Established in 1948, the WHO is the UN agency dedicated to global public health.
• It comprises 194 member states and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• The organization focuses on various health initiatives, including vaccination campaigns, managing health emergencies, and supporting countries in improving primary care.
• Funding:
• WHO is funded through a combination of member state fees based on wealth and population, as well as voluntary contributions from various sources.

India's Involvement with WHO

• Membership:
• India became a member of the WHO in January 1948 and is part of the South-East Asia Region.
• Notable Leadership:
• The first Regional Director for South-East Asia was Dr. Chandra Mani, an Indian, who served from 1948 to 1968.
• Currently, the position is held by Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, also from India, who has been in office since 2014.
• Contributions to WHO:
• Dr. Soumya Swaminathan served as WHO’s Chief Scientist from 2019 to 2022, contributing significantly to global health policy and research.

Significance of WHO's Work

WHO plays a crucial role in addressing health challenges worldwide, coordinating responses to health emergencies, and advancing health systems. India's active involvement in WHO reflects its commitment to global health initiatives and the importance of collaboration in tackling health issues.