国際｜エムポックス緊急事態の終了発表 / International | Announcement of the End of the Mpox Emergency

Summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that it is lifting the emergency declaration for the infectious disease known as mpox (monkeypox).

Director-General Tedros cited the continued decrease in patients, particularly in Central Africa’s Congo, as a reason for this decision, clarifying that the international public health emergency declared in August 2024 is now over. The declining trend in new infections and fatalities has been positively assessed.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: Did you hear that the emergency situation regarding mpox has ended?
Chako: Really? That’s great! What happened so suddenly?
Log: It’s because the number of infections is decreasing. It seems that especially in Congo, the number of patients has been continuously declining.
Navi: In fact, it’s believed that the WHO made this decision after assessing the decrease in new infections and deaths.
Chako: I see, that makes me feel relieved! But what if it spreads again?
Log: That is a possibility, but the situation is improving right now, so I think we should be okay for a while.

Admin’s Note

The news that the WHO has lifted the emergency status for mpox reflects progress in infectious disease control and provides a sense of relief. I’m particularly encouraged by the improvement in the situation in Africa, which I believe is a result of local healthcare systems and international support working effectively. Chako’s question, “Could it spread again?” highlights an important perspective for future infectious disease measures, and I feel we need to continue paying close attention to this issue. I want to keep an eye on public health trends moving forward.