The World Health Organization kept its highest alert level for mpox as the number of cases continued to rise. “The WHO director-general, agreeing with the advice of the International Health Relations (IHR) Emergency Committee, has determined that the upsurge of mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern,” WHO said in a statement.
It added that the decision that was made at the conclusion of the second meeting of IHR Emergency Committee on the mpox upsurge in November 22, was based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field, and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners.
WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency in August, the second time in two years, following an outbreak of the viral infection in Africa that could spread outside the continent.
The WHO is expected to issue next week “temporary recommendations” to the 196 IHR state parties, including the Philippines. IHR defines the countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health events and emergencies that have the potential to cross borders.
Mpox cases in the Philippines continue to rise, albeit slowly. The Department of Health has opted not to regularly release its data to avoid causing undue fear and panic among the public.
Based on available data, the country has had at least 32 confirmed mpox cases since 2022. Majority of the cases were recorded since August this year. The recent cases were detected in the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Cagayan Valley.
There are no mpox vaccines yet available in the Philippines, as most of the supply is being directed to African countries, which are currently seeing an upsurge in cases. On Nov. 19, the WHO approved a second mpox vaccine for emergency use listing (EUL). That allows groups such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the UN’s children fund, to buy doses for low-income countries.
Fortunately for us, the number of Mpox cases are still low in the Philippines, which could explain the DOH strategy of minimizing the threat for now. However, as with most highly infectious diseases, all it takes is one mistake for an outbreak, so our awareness and vigilance must be at a high level always. If we can find a way to procure vaccines for the most vulnerable sectors of the population, it would be even better.
Let us do all we can to ensure that the threat of mpox does not worsen further in the country.*
