The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that he will convene an expert group to determine if the increasing spread of the mpox virus in Africa warrants being declared a global emergency.

The WHO chief announced an “emergency” meeting of international experts on Wednesday. The aim of their meeting is to address growing concerns over the monkeypox virus and determine whether the outbreak warrants the highest level of international health alert.

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TGP reports: Tedros stated that the WHO emergency committee would convene “as soon as possible” to determine whether the outbreak qualifies as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Such a designation would empower him to initiate emergency responses under the International Health Regulations.

“In light of the spread of [monkeypox] outside [Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)], and the potential for further international spread within and outside Africa, I have decided to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations to advise me on whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern,” Tedros tweeted.

“The committee will meet as soon as possible and will be made up of independent experts from a range of relevant disciplines from around the world,” he added.

According to the news release, monkeypox is endemic in Central and West Africa and can be transmitted through physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms include skin rashes, fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

While monkeypox gained global attention during the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, it is essential to scrutinize how the WHO handled previous outbreaks. In 2022, mpox was declared a PHEIC but was deemed under control by May 2023. However, the DRC is currently facing a severe outbreak with over 14,000 cases reported this year alone.

The recent announcement has not been met with universal approval. Many citizens express deep mistrust toward the WHO and its approach to public health emergencies. Responses on social media reflect a growing frustration with the overreach by global health authorities.