WHO Declares Mpox (Monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

Why in News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox (Monkeypox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in 2022 and again in 2024, following a resurgence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its spread to non-endemic countries. This highlights the persistent global threat posed by the virus.

About Mpox (Monkeypox)

• Pathogen: Caused by the monkeypox virus (genus Orthopoxvirus), related to smallpox.
• Transmission:
  • Close physical contact with lesions, body fluids, or contaminated materials.
  • Respiratory droplets (prolonged face-to-face contact).
• Symptoms:
  • Flu-like symptoms (fever, headache) followed by pus-filled skin lesions.
  • Fatality rate: 3–6% (higher in immunocompromised individuals).
• Treatment:
  • Antivirals (e.g., Tecovirimat) and smallpox vaccines (e.g., JYNNEOS) repurposed for Mpox.

What is a PHEIC?

• Definition: Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005, a PHEIC is declared for an extraordinary health event that:
  1. Poses a public health risk to other states through international spread.
  2. Requires a coordinated global response.
• Legal Framework:
  • Binding agreement for 196 countries, including India.
  • WHO’s highest alert level for health emergencies.
• Previous PHEICs:
  • 2009: H1N1 influenza.
  • 2014: Polio resurgence, Ebola (West Africa).
  • 2016: Zika virus.
  • 2019: Ebola (DRC).
  • 2020: COVID-19.
  • 2022 & 2024: Mpox.

Why Was Mpox Declared a PHEIC?

1. Unusual Spread:
   • 2022 Outbreak: Over 92,000 cases in 117 countries, primarily outside Africa.
   • 2024 Resurgence: Surge in DRC (12,000+ cases) and spread to Europe, Americas, and Asia.
2. Risk of International Spread:
   • Linked to travel, sexual contact networks, and zoonotic spillover (animal-to-human).
3. Equity Concerns:
   • Limited vaccine/therapeutic access in low-income countries (e.g., DRC).

Significance for India

1. Preparedness:
   • Strengthen surveillance at ports/airports (screening, contact tracing).
   • Stockpile vaccines and antivirals (e.g., under the National Centre for Disease Control).
2. Research & Development:
   • Leverage India’s vaccine production capacity (e.g., Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech).
3. Global Health Diplomacy:
   • Support WHO initiatives and share genomic data (INSACOG network).

Challenges in Controlling Mpox

• Stigma: Cases often linked to LGBTQ+ communities, hindering reporting.
• Zoonotic Reservoir: Persistent transmission in African rodents.
• Vaccine Inequity: 90% of doses allocated to high-income countries.

Key Terms:

• PHEIC, IHR 2005, Orthopoxvirus, Tecovirimat, Zoonotic Spillover, One Health.

Conclusion:
The Mpox PHEIC underscores the need for robust global health cooperation and equitable resource distribution. For India, proactive surveillance, R&D investments, and community engagement are critical to mitigate risks and uphold its leadership in global health security.

UPSC Focus Areas

1. International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005: Role in global health governance.
2. PHEIC Criteria: Link to geopolitics and equity (e.g., Africa’s marginalization in vaccine access).
3. India’s Health Infrastructure: Lessons from COVID-19 for Mpox preparedness.
4. One Health Approach: Addressing zoonotic diseases through animal-human-environment nexus.