The World Health Organization today declared the end of the mpox public health emergency of international concern, marking the successful containment of an outbreak that affected 47 countries and infected approximately 350,000 people over 18 months.
"This is a triumph of global health cooperation," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "The rapid deployment of vaccines, combined with effective surveillance and public health measures, prevented what could have become a far more devastating pandemic."
The containment effort was anchored by an unprecedented vaccination campaign that administered doses to 85 million people across affected and at-risk countries. India played a significant role, with the Serum Institute of India producing 40% of the global vaccine supply.
However, WHO officials cautioned against complacency. "The virus has not been eradicated — it continues to circulate in animal reservoirs," said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove. "Continued surveillance and investment in public health infrastructure are essential to prevent future outbreaks."
