US declares monkeypox a public health emergency

Author: Reuters/Web Desk

The United States declared monkeypox a public health emergency on Thursday. A move that should free up funds, assist in data gathering and deploy additional personnel in the fight against the disease.

“We’re prepared to take our response to the next level in addressing this virus. And we urge every American to take monkeypox seriously and to take responsibility to help us tackle this virus.” said Health and Human Services secretary Xavier Becerra in a call.

In Addition, The U.S. has confirmed more than 6,600 cases of monkeypox in 48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The real number of infections is likely higher than the official data. The patients can only get the test after they develop a rash. It can take a week or more after the initial exposure to the virus.

Earlier, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced health emergency on disease.

The WHO label – a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)” – is designed to trigger a coordinated international response. It could unlock funding to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments.

Members of an expert committee that met on Thursday to discuss the potential recommendation split on the decision. With nine members against and six in favour of the declaration, prompting Tedros himself to break the deadlock, he told reporters

.

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Op-Ed

Legislative Developments in Compliance with UNCRC

In August 2023, Pakistan submitted its consolidated sixth and seventh periodic reports to the UNCRC…

3 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Trump Returns: What It Means for Health in Pakistan

United States presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in which Donald Trump…

3 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

A Self-Sustaining Model

Since being entrusted to the Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company (PMBMC) in 2016, Model Bazaars…

3 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Lahore’s Smog Crisis

Lahore's air quality has reached critical levels, with recent AQI (Air Quality Index) readings soaring…

3 hours ago
  • Editorial

Fatal Frequencies

Fog, smog or a clear sunny day, traffic accidents have sadly become a daily occurrence…

3 hours ago
  • Editorial

Climate Crisis

PM Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the urgent need for developed nations to take responsibility for…

3 hours ago