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WHO, Partners Launch GHEC To Address Mpox Outbreak

Published

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 01:53 PM

Written by Daukoru Grey

WHO, Partners Launch GHEC To Address Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with key partners, has activated the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) for the first time, mobilizing resources to assist countries facing mpox outbreaks.

The GHEC, a coalition of health professionals and emergency responders, was established in 2023 to enhance coordinated responses to health emergencies following lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to WHO, the GHEC serves as a platform for global collaboration, supporting countries by bolstering emergency workforce capacities, deploying expert teams, and connecting technical leaders to improve response strategies.

In a recent statement Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, noted that WHO and its partners are working with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other affected countries to integrate case detection with contact tracing, targeted vaccination, clinical and home care, infection prevention, community engagement, and logistical support to curb mpox transmission.

This inaugural GHEC activation follows WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus’s recent declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern. WHO reports that mpox cases have emerged in 18 African nations this year, with clade 1b spreading to other regions, raising concerns about further transmission.

In collaboration with the International Association of National Public Health Institutes, GHEC is currently assessing the emergency workforce needs in eight affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Dr. Ryan highlighted that 22 areas, such as epidemiology, laboratory capacities, infection control, and risk communication, have been identified as critical needs in the response.

Since mid-October, WHO has deployed 56 experts, including staff and specialists from the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and the African Volunteers Health Corps (AVoHC-SURGE). Dr. Abdou Gueye, WHO’s Regional Emergency Director for Africa, emphasized that AVoHC-SURGE leverages African health professionals to provide timely and culturally relevant responses within the continent.

As part of the ongoing effort, GOARN is also coordinating the contributions of international partners, including expertise, supplies, and funding to affected regions. On October 22, technical leaders from affected and experienced countries convened to share best practices and coordinate strategies aimed at halting the spread of mpox.

Mpox formerly known as monkeypox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Edited By: Manasseh Paul-Worika

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WHO, Partners Launch GHEC To Address Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with key partners, has activated the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) for the first time, mobilizing resources to assist countries facing mpox outbreaks.

Mpox formerly known as monkeypox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

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