WHO announces $135mn response plan to control mpox

The World Health Organisation (WHO) called Friday for urgent action to control a new outbreak of mpox, announcing a response plan that will require at least $135mn over the next six months.

"Let me be clear... this new outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) can be controlled and stopped, but responding to this complex outbreak requires a comprehensive and co-ordinated international response," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a speech to WHO member states.

He explained that this six-month plan requires funding of no less than $135mn. Last week, the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency, which has raised international concern due to its spread and a new, potentially more dangerous strain (IP) in Africa.