WHO to determine if Monkeypox should be declared ‘Emergency of International Concern’; rights expert warns of COVID ‘vaccine apartheid’

Experts will meet on June 23 to assess whether the outbreak’s continued outbreak is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the highest global alert level. , currently only applicable to COVID-19 pandemic and polio.

Up to present this year, more than 1,600 confirmed cases and almost 1,500 suspected cases of the Monkey smallpox has been reported to WHOover 39 countries – including seven where monkey pox been discovered for many years, and 32 new countries are affected.

At least 72 deaths have been reported from previously affected countries. To date, no deaths have been recorded from the newly affected countries, but the agency is seeking to verify reports of a related death in Brazil.

“The global outbreak of monkeypox is clearly unusual and worrying”, said WHO Director Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, calling for a stronger international response and coordination.

Ibrahima Socé Fall, WHO Deputy Director for Emergency Response, explained that the risk of spread in Europe is considered “high” while in the rest of the world it is “moderate” and gaps remain. knowledge of how the virus is transmitted.

“We don’t want to wait until the situation gets out of control“, I said.

Case detection and control

WHO has published recommendations to governments regarding case detection and control.

Speaking to journalists in Geneva, WHO expert Rosamund Lewis on smallpox, said it was important to raise public awareness of the level of risk and explain recommendations to avoid infection for smallpox. close contacts and family members.

Dr. Lewis explains that, although the disease sometimes produces only mild symptoms, such as skin lesions, it can be contagious for two to four weeks.

“We know that It’s hard for people to isolate themselves for so long, but it is very important to protect others. In most cases, people can self-isolate at home and don’t need to go to the hospital,” she added.

Smallpox in monkeys is transmitted by close physical contact with a symptomatic person. The rash, fluid, and scabs are especially contagious. Clothing, bed sheets, towels, or objects such as eating utensils or dishes that have been contaminated with the virus can also infect others.

However, it is not clear whether people without symptoms can spread the disease, the expert reiterated.

Immunization Guide

WHO also released new guidelines for monkeypox vaccination on Tuesday.

Although some countries have maintained strategic supplies of old smallpox vaccines – a virus that was eradicated in 1980 – first-generation vaccines are kept in stock. Countries are not recommended for monkeypox at this time, as they do not meet current production and safety standards.

Newer and safer smallpox vaccines (second and third generation) are also available, some of which may be helpful for Monkey Smallpox and one of them (MVA-BN) approved for disease prevention.

The supply of these new vaccines is limited and access strategies are under discussion, the WHO announced.

“At this time, the World Health Organization do not encourage mass vaccination. Decisions about the use of smallpox vaccine or monkeypox vaccine should be based on a full assessment of the risks and benefits in each case,” the guidelines indicate.

For those in contact with an infected patient, post-exposure prophylaxis with a second or third-generation vaccine is recommended, ideally within four days of first contact, to prevent illness. onset.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for health care workers at risk, laboratory staff working with injectable drugs, clinical laboratory personnel performing diagnostic tests for smallpox Monkey season and others may be at risk of disease.

Outdated studies

Dr. Lewis explains that most of the data on smallpox vaccines is old or from animal studies. “Not much [current] clinical studies,” she said.

WHO emphasizes the importance of immunization programs supported by comprehensive surveillance and contact tracing, and accompanied by strong “pharmacovigilance” and information campaigns, ideally with collaborative studies on vaccine efficacy.

Tedros also said the agency is working with partners to rename monkeypox and its variants, and create a mechanism to help share available vaccines, more equitably, when the need arises. bridge.

Continued decrease in COVID-19 cases

Regarding the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Tedros said that both the number of reported cases and deaths have fallen by more than 90%, compared with the peak reached earlier in the year.

“This is a very welcome trend. However, more than 3 million cases were reported to WHO last week — and because many countries have reduced surveillance and testing, we know this number is under-reported,” he added.

During that period, 8,737 deaths were reported. Tedros calls these “unacceptable levels” as they are powerful tools for preventing, detecting and treating the disease.

The head of WHO also called on countries to reach an agreement on the temporary exemption of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests during the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. world taking place this week.

“As I have said many times, waivers are made for emergency use. So if not now, when? ” he say.

‘Vaccine racist’ warning

This request was responded to by the Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, E. Tendayi Achiume. who called inequality growing in access to immunization, a form of “vaccination segregation”.

“Because the people who suffer from racism the most affected by racism are There is no denying the issue of racial injustice,” she speaks.

She added: “This injustice is also caused by persistent inequalities in wealth, power and health resources between countries, which can be traced back to transnational histories of racism and racism. colonialism”.

So far this month, 72.09% of people in high-income countries have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, she noted, compared with just 17.94% of people in low-income countries. : “The status quo is equivalent to a system of ‘vaccination segregation’.

In a letter to members of the World Trade Organization, the independent expert called on National representatives at this week’s Ministerial Conference to respect their commitments and legal obligations on equality and non-discrimination. provided for in international human rights law.

“Countries must demonstrate the political will, leadership and unwavering commitment to racial equality that transformative change requires,” Achiume said.