Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and the Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth have today welcomed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration that Mpox no longer constitutes a global public health emergency.
The declaration comes after the 5th meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Mpox and follows last week’s announcement on the end of the COVID-19 global public health emergency.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted the “steady progress in controlling the outbreak based on the lessons of HIV and working closely with the most affected communities,” while cautioning that the work to tackle Mpox is not over as the disease continues to pose challenges for public health.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Donnelly said:
“The WHO’s announcement is a welcome development and highlights the success in tackling this disease. Awareness campaigns and the close engagement of the affected community with public health have played a vital role in helping to bring the disease under control. We continue to work towards the long-term elimination of the disease, and I would urge all those eligible for vaccination to consider making an appointment. Appointments continue to be available through the HSE website.”
Professor Breda Smyth said:
“This announcement follows a steep decline in case numbers and is a very welcome development. However, it is important that those at higher risk continue to follow public health advice and safe sexual health practices. Public health measures including vaccination will continue to play an important role as we work to keep this illness at bay and I would encourage those who are eligible to come forward for vaccination.”