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| WHO Extends Mpox Global Emergency Status |
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially extended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) designation for the mpox outbreak as of June 2025, citing a sustained rise in infections, especially across West Africa, and possible undetected transmission globally. This ongoing status highlights the urgency for continued international cooperation and accelerated development of tools to fight the disease.
Mpox Still a Global Health Threat, Especially in Africa
According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the decision follows unanimous advice from the IHR Emergency Committee, which found that mpox still poses a significant global health threat. Despite existing public health measures and vaccination efforts, the virus continues to spread, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure is weak and surveillance systems remain underdeveloped.
In response to the sustained epidemic, WHO’s updated recommendations stress the need to strengthen diagnostics, prioritize vaccination for high-risk populations, and expand epidemiological tracking, especially in Central and West Africa, where mpox is endemic.
NanoViricides’ NV-387 Offers Hope as Mpox Therapeutic
In light of the ongoing crisis, NanoViricides has spotlighted the relevance of its antiviral candidate, NV-387, which is currently under development to treat mpox infections. With no widely available antiviral treatments yet approved, NV-387’s progress is viewed as a timely complement to existing tools like vaccines and contact tracing. Experts stress that effective therapeutics will be key to managing morbidity and mortality, especially in areas where vaccination coverage is low.
As mpox maintains its grip globally, the health community is emphasizing a multifaceted approach, combining vaccination, surveillance, and innovative antiviral research, to control the epidemic and reduce global risk.
