WHO Regional Committee for Africa Meets to Address Mpox Epidemic and Strengthen Health Systems
The 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa began today in Brazzaville, bringing together nearly 1,000 delegates, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and health ministers from 47 member countries.
The five-day meeting will focus on a range of critical health issues affecting the continent, with a particular emphasis on the global Mpox epidemic.
During the opening session, WHO Regional Director for Africa stressed the organization’s commitment to addressing Mpox with a new approach. “We are determined to tackle Mpox differently than in the past, working closely with member states to develop comprehensive response plans,” said the Regional Director.
Key topics on the agenda include the transformation of African health systems through WHO reforms, amplifying Africa’s voice in global health matters, and addressing preventable child mortality.
The meeting will also explore strategies to enhance Africa’s capacity to manage epidemics, drawing on the continent’s extensive experience in handling diseases such as malaria, meningitis, and cholera.
The outbreak of a new, more virulent strain of the Mpox virus, particularly in central and eastern Africa, has prompted the WHO to declare a global emergency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the crisis, is actively participating in the Brazzaville meeting, seeking support and collaboration to combat the epidemic.
In response to the Mpox outbreak, the WHO has launched a Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, running from September 2024 to February 2025. The initiative aims to curb human-to-human transmission and is seeking $135 million in funding.
During the opening session, international health organizations pledged additional financial support to help end the Mpox outbreaks in Africa.
Source: Africanews
