Monkeypox transmission can be stopped and the outbreak brought under control with the tools the world has right now, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said after the declaration of moneypox a global health emergency on Saturday.
"With the tools we have right now, we can stop #monkeypox transmission and bring this outbreak under control. It’s essential that all countries work closely with affected communities to adopt measures that protect their health, human rights and dignity," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday.
WHO Director-General declared monkeypox a global health emergency at a press conference following the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee regarding the multi-country outbreak of the disease.
"In light of the evolving #monkeypox outbreak with over 16,000 reported cases from 75 countries & territories, I reconvened the emergency committee. Based on the Intl. Health Regulations criteria, I decided to declare this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Intl. Concern," WHO director general said on Saturday.
Explaining monkeypox after the declaration, the director general said: "Although I am declaring a public health emergency of international concern, for the moment this is an outbreak that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, especially those with multiple sexual partners".
While briefing the media on monkeypox outbreak, Tedros urged against stigma and discrimination.
"Stigma and discrimination can be as dangerous as any virus. I am calling on civil society organizations, including those with experience in working with people living with HIV, to work with us to fight stigma and discrimination associated with this #monkeypox outbreak".
