ND24 WEB DESK | Published : 2023-05-12
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that monkeypox no longer constitutes a global health emergency, almost exactly a year after the disease formerly known as monkeypox started spreading globally. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the decision was prompted by falling case numbers worldwide, but emphasised that the disease remains a threat, particularly in areas of Africa where it has long been present. More than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths have been reported from 111 countries during the global outbreak, according to a WHO count. The announcement comes just a week after the UN agency also declared that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), its highest level of alarm.
