On August 14, 2024, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a new outbreak of Mpox to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The decision was prompted by the increase in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African countries, which are now facing the spread of a new strain of the virus, clade 1b. This is the second time in two years that Mpox has been declared a PHEIC, underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated international response.
To support health professionals, researchers and the general public in understanding and responding to Mpox, BIREME has updated the Window of Knowledge in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) dedicated exclusively to the topic. The Mpox Window of Knowledge brings together documents, studies, guidelines and resources on the disease, ranging from clinical aspects to prevention and control strategies.
With the detection of a new strain of the clade 1b virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has spread to other countries in Africa and may reach other continents, including the Americas, PAHO reinforces that it is essential that all those involved in the response to the outbreak are well-informed. The Mpox Window of Knowledge serves as a strategic information tool to support surveillance, preparedness and emergency response activities, as outlined in the four PAHO/WHO strategic pillars:
- Communication and engagement of at-risk communities: the platform offers educational materials and awareness campaigns aimed at informing communities about Mpox risks and prevention measures.
- Timely detection and treatment: provides clinical guidelines and treatment protocols to ensure effective case management and the protection of health workers.
- Laboratory confirmation and surveillance: the Window of Knowledge facilitates access to resources on epidemiological surveillance and the containment of transmission chains, which are essential for controlling the spread of the virus.
- Access to essential supplies: through international partnerships and guidelines, the platform provides guidance on the use of emergency vaccines and therapies, which are essential for affected countries.
This determination of ESPII is the second in two years related to Mpox. Caused by an Orthopoxvirus, Mpox was first detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease is considered endemic in central and western African countries. Focal point at BIREME for the development and publication of the Window of Knowledge VHL collection, librarian Rosemeire Pinto recalls that “the purpose of the Window of Knowledge is to support the dissemination of and access to quality scientific and technical information, facilitating informed decision-making and the implementation of effective public health measures”.
Access the Mpox Window of Knowledge and learn about the latest updates and resources available to tackle this global public health emergency.