The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the global outbreak of mpox continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The decision follows the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee on mpox, held on June 5, 2025. In response, the WHO Director-General has issued a revised set of temporary recommendations to help states contain the spread of the virus.
These updated guidelines apply to countries experiencing ongoing or sporadic transmission of mpox, particularly those with cases linked to clade Ib of the monkeypox virus. They supplement the standing recommendations, which remain in effect until August 20, 2025.
WHO emphasized that all actions taken must respect human dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in accordance with Article 3 of the IHR. The revised measures aim to strengthen national and local responses while aligning with WHO’s broader strategic framework for mpox control through 2027.
States are urged to reinforce political commitment and secure resources for hotspot areas reporting mpox cases in recent weeks. Countries should enhance coordination at national and subnational levels, monitor local response effectiveness, and collaborate with humanitarian partners, particularly in conflict zones or areas with displaced populations.
Surveillance remains a priority. Nations must expand testing access, improve sample transport and genomic sequencing capabilities, and increase geographic coverage. Contact tracing and outbreak investigations should be intensified, with regular case reporting to WHO.
Healthcare systems are advised to provide clinical, nutritional, and psychosocial care, ensuring isolation measures where necessary. Care must be inclusive of vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV. Facilities should be equipped with infection prevention infrastructure, personal protective equipment, and proper sanitation services.
International collaboration at border crossings should be strengthened without imposing unnecessary travel or trade restrictions. Targeted vaccination efforts should continue, especially in outbreak hotspots and among high-risk populations such as health workers, sex workers, and people with multiple sexual partners. Authorities are encouraged to tailor immunization strategies to local needs, explore fractional dosing, and monitor vaccine coverage and safety.
To support community protection, countries should improve risk communication and engagement at the grassroots level. Public education should address uncertainties around transmission, vaccine effectiveness, and available treatments, while also countering stigma and discrimination. Hygiene and waste management measures must be enforced in schools, prisons, refugee camps, and at points of entry.
On governance, WHO urges governments to boost domestic and external funding for mpox response and ensure efficient resource use. Efforts should be integrated into existing health programs, particularly those addressing HIV, STIs, malaria, and tuberculosis, to maximize impact and sustainability.
Research remains critical. Countries are called to invest in field studies on virus transmission, animal hosts, and zoonotic spillover. Genomic sequencing must be scaled up to monitor viral evolution and transmission patterns. Research findings should inform global strategies and help close knowledge gaps.
Finally, WHO requests that countries report quarterly on their implementation of the temporary recommendations. A standardized tool will be provided to monitor progress, identify gaps, and guide ongoing response efforts.
The full proceedings of the Emergency Committee meeting will be shared with IHR States Parties and published shortly.
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