World Health Organization expert Dr. Hans Kluge has reassured the public that Mpox is “not the new Covid” and can be controlled with the right measures in place. Despite concerns about a new variant of the virus, Dr. Kluge emphasized the importance of taking strong action now to prevent panic and neglect.
A case of the new variant, Clade Ib, was confirmed in Sweden last week and linked to a growing outbreak in Africa. Mpox has already claimed the lives of at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with experts warning that the new variant may be spreading more easily and causing more serious disease.
Dr. Kluge stressed the importance of non-discriminatory public-health action and equitable access to vaccines in controlling Mpox, regardless of the variant. He highlighted the success of previous efforts to control Mpox in Europe and urged global cooperation to tackle the virus.
While no Clade Ib cases have been reported in the UK, experts warn that international action is necessary to prevent the spread of Mpox. Travellers to affected areas in Africa have been advised to consider vaccination, with efforts underway to increase vaccine supply and reduce costs.
Dr. Jean Kaseya of the Africa CDC called for solidarity and support for medical counter-measures, urging countries not to impose travel bans on Africa. With coordinated efforts and access to vaccines, authorities believe Mpox can be controlled and eliminated globally.
