WHO says the expanding monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries now qualifies as a global emergency
The global monkeypox epidemic has been classified by the World Health Organization as a "public health emergency of international concern" (PHEIC), a level below "pandemic."
According to the announcement, the virus outbreak poses a serious risk to the world's health and requires a worldwide response.
Worldwide, more than 16,000 cases of the virus have been documented from 75 different countries, according to WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
It is important to remember that the last time the WHO declared a global health emergency was for COVID-19 at the beginning of 2020.
The only thing WHO can do is establish guidelines and offer its knowledge and recommendations to the member nations. The national governments have the last say on whether or not to take action.
With 80% of the cases reported worldwide, Europe is the outbreak's epicentre; nevertheless, the number of cases in the USA is also gradually increasing.