Monkeypox outbreak needs united global response, World Health Organization says

Africa must be part of a united global fight against monkeypox as developed countries respond to unusual outbreaks of the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

Key points:

Monkeypox is endemic in some African countries

Cases in developed nations have sparked a flurry of scientific research into the disease

The WHO is calling for lower-income nations to benefit from the fruits of that labour as well

"We must have one connected global response to monkeypox to avoid it becoming endemic in more countries," D. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa director, said in an online briefing.

As countries in the developed world find ways to limit the spread of monkeypox, "it is very important that … we make sure that we share those tools, we build capacities all over the world to respond to these outbreaks," she said.

"What is extremely important now is to avert any potential for a repeat of the inequitable access to COVID-19 vaccines experienced by African countries early in the pandemic," Dr Moeti said.

Monkeypox is a virus that can cause symptoms such as fever, aches and a distinctive bumpy rash.

It is ordinarily found in countries in West and Central Africa with tropical rainforests, but recently more than 550 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported by at least 30 countries outside of Africa, according to the WHO.

Many of the cases were reportedly tied to sexual activity at two recent raves in Europe.

While cases have been detected in Australia, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, the United States and Israel, no deaths have been reported.

Cases of monkeypox were confirmed in Sydney and Melbourne last month.

Meanwhile, seven of Africa's 54 countries have reported the disease and there have been about three times as many monkeypox cases as usual.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-03/monkeypox-outbreak-needs-united-response-says-who-africa-says/101123240