WHO declares end to monkeypox public health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday that monkeypox (mpox) was no longer a global health emergency, ending a near year-long alert for the viral disease that led to confirmed cases in more than hundred countries.

The organization declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern in July 2022 and backed its stand in November and February.

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The WHO tag is designed to trigger a coordinated international response and unlock funding to collaborate on sharing of vaccines and treatments.

More than 87,000 mpox cases have been confirmed globally from the beginning of 2022 through May 8 this year, according to WHO's latest report.

Although WHO had earlier in the year noted a sustained decline in the number of reported cases, it had also expressed concerns about a possible resurgence in some regions and persisting transmission in some countries.