WHO launches global strategic preparedness, response plan against mpox outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday launched a global strategic preparedness and response plan to contain the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak.

The plan aims to cub the human-to-human transmission of mpox through coordinated global, regional and national efforts, said the WHO in a statement posted on its official website.

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WHO launches global strategic preparedness, response plan against mpox outbreak

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WHO launches global strategic preparedness, response plan against mpox outbreak

Covering a six-month period - from September 2024 to February 2025, the plan requires the funding of 135 million U.S. dollars from member states, partners, communities and researchers among others.

The WHO said the plan builds on previous recommendations issued by the WHO director-general, with a focus on implementing robust surveillance, prevention, preparedness and response strategies.

Key elements of the plan include advancing research and ensuring equitable access to critical medical countermeasures like diagnostic tests and vaccines.

Additionally, the plan aims to minimize animal-to-human transmission and empower communities to proactively participate in outbreak prevention and control efforts, said the statement.

The WHO has mobilized its resources globally to address the evolving situation, by setting up dedicated incident management support teams and scaling up its staffing capacity in the countries affected.

On Aug 14, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday sent messages of condolence to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the casualties in the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane.

Xi said that he was shocked to learn that a passenger plane of Azerbaijan Airlines crashed, causing casualties.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi deeply mourned the victims. Also in the messages, he offered sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.