### The alert maintained: the MPOX and the international response
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reaffirmed its alert concerning MPOX, a viral disease of the same family as a smallpox. This virus, which causes strong fevers and skin lesions, has an alarming spread in several countries, especially in Africa. Since February, five new African countries – Togo, Tanzania, South Sudan, Malawi and Ethiopia – have reported cases, thus testifying to a health situation which deserves special attention.
### A worrying observation
In a year and a half, 37,000 confirmed cases were identified in 25 countries, which included 125 deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represents more than half of the cases, with weekly estimates from 2,000 to 3,000 suspicious cases. This situation raises several questions about the capacity of local health systems to manage such a crisis.
The recent WHO meeting highlighted several critical points. Although progress has been made in certain countries in terms of response, the need for targeted vaccination remains crucial. WHO director Tedros Ghebreyesus stressed that $ 147 million is required to support a global MPOX response plan. This figure recalls how essential it is to mobilize international resources to counter this disease.
### A collective response
The call to international support strongly resonates in the current context. If advances have been noted in certain regions, it is clear that other countries, in particular those affected by a lack of health infrastructure, can be vulnerable to an unusual transmission. This raises reflections on equity in access to health care and international solidarity in the face of global health challenges.
Faced with a disease that does not know borders, cooperation is essential. Countries and organizations must work together to monitor and contain the spread of the disease, especially since an appropriate response requires coordination and sharing of rapid and effective information.
### Consequences of a prolonged alert
Maintaining the WHO alert may have repercussions both in terms of public health and socio-economic. Fear and uncertainty that accompany epidemics can cause stigma behavior towards certain groups, while affecting health systems by overloading services. The hesitation in being vaccinated or looking for care due to fears about the disease can also exacerbate the problem.
In this context, it is essential to promote communication and education to combat disinformation. Awareness initiatives must be strengthened in order to encourage the population to adopt preventive behavior while reassuring on available treatments.
### Towards the future: what avenues?
The fight against MPOX, as for any epidemic, requires a multidimensional approach. This may involve an increased investment in disease research, the development of more effective vaccination strategies and an international commitment to ensure that resources are allocated where they are most necessary.
In conclusion, although the current situation concerning MPOX is worrying, it also offers an opportunity to examine our ways of collaboration and global solidarity. History has shown us that health challenges, when tackled with rigor and compassion, can create bridges between nations and strengthen our health systems. The challenge is not simply to fight a disease, but to build a future where each community can benefit from solid and accessible public health.