WHO highlights global public health crises at Geneva media conference
mpox tops the list
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed a media conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 30, 2024, offering significant updates on ongoing health crises worldwide.
The conference underscored WHO’s ongoing commitment to addressing critical public health challenges, from the mpox outbreak in Africa to vaccination efforts in Gaza and the dire situation in Sudan.
Mpox outbreaks in Africa
Dr Ghebreyesus began the briefing with a sobering update on the African mpox outbreak. “We are witnessing a severe health crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” he stated. “This year, over 18,000 suspected cases of mpox have been reported, with 629 deaths.”
The outbreak, particularly concerning in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, has been exacerbated by the new clade 1b strain. Dr Ghebreyesus noted that while recent weeks have seen fewer deaths, the situation remains critical with rising case numbers. The new clade 1b strain has also spread to neighbouring countries, with cases confirmed in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Sweden, and Thailand.
Dr Ghebreyesus emphasised WHO’s ongoing efforts to support the DRC government and partners, including a significant $10 million commitment from the government and support from international organisations such as the Africa CDC, GAVI, UNICEF, and the European Union. Vaccination and diagnostic efforts are being prioritised, with WHO working to fast-track emergency use listings for vaccines and diagnostics.
Polio vaccination in Gaza
Turning to the Middle East, Dr Ghebreyesus announced the launch of a major polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. “Starting September 1, we aim to vaccinate over 640,000 children under ten years of age with a two-dose regimen,” he said. The campaign will be conducted in phases to ensure coverage despite the region’s challenging conditions.
Crisis in Sudan
The situation in Sudan was another focal point of the briefing. Dr Ghebreyesus described the ongoing conflict as “one of the most pressing humanitarian crises”, with health facilities under attack and outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles exacerbating the dire conditions. “Hospitals are shutting down, and life-saving supplies are dwindling,” he reported.
WHO has mobilised resources to support the Federal Ministry of Health and partners, including oral cholera vaccines and essential medical supplies. However, Dr Ghebreyesus stressed that a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access are crucial to prevent the health crisis from further deteriorating.
Regional developments
Dr Ghebreyesus] also addressed the recent WHO Regional Committee Meeting in Brazzaville. Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile of Tanzania was nominated as the new Regional Director for the WHO Regional Office for Africa. Dr Ghebreyesus congratulated Dr Ndugulile and expressed gratitude to the outgoing Regional Director, Dr Tshidi Moeti, for her decade of service.
The meeting also saw a pledging event for the WHO Investment Round, which aims to secure sustainable funding for the organisation’s work. Dr Ghebreyesus] commended the 14 WHO African member states and partners who pledged over $45 million, calling other regions to follow Africa’s lead in supporting global health initiatives.
Conclusion
In closing, Dr Ghebreyesus reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to addressing these critical issues and emphasised the importance of global cooperation in tackling health crises. “Together, with strong leadership and coordinated efforts, we can overcome these challenges and work towards a healthier world for all,” he concluded.
The media conference highlighted WHO’s ongoing efforts and the need for continued support and collaboration to address global health emergencies effectively.
Featured image: The world is grappling with several mega health emergencies, says the WHO. Credit: WHO
