UWWS : Mpox (monkeypox) – Challenges and Solutions

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopox virus genus. While historically limited to regions in Central and West Africa, recent years have seen a significant spread to other parts of the world, posing global health challenges. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach.

Challenges as per experts of UWWS: 

1. Rapid Global Spread:
   • Increased Transmission: Mpox has spread to regions outside Africa, with cases reported in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This spread is exacerbated by global travel and trade, making containment difficult.
   • Human-to-Human Transmission: Although traditionally transmitted from animals to humans, the recent outbreaks show evidence of increased human-to-human transmission, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
2. Diagnosis and Surveillance:
   • Underreporting: In many regions, mpox cases are underreported due to a lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, or social stigma, leading to difficulties in tracking the disease’s true spread.
   • Differentiation from Other Diseases: Mpox symptoms, such as fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy, can resemble other diseases like chickenpox or smallpox, complicating diagnosis.
3. Vaccine and Treatment Accessibility:
   • Limited Availability of Vaccines: While vaccines like the smallpox vaccine (which offers some protection against mpox) exist, their availability is limited, especially in low-resource settings.
   • Treatment Challenges: There are no specific antiviral treatments approved for mpox, and supportive care remains the primary approach. The effectiveness of existing antivirals, such as tecovirimat, is still being studied.
4. Public Awareness and Stigma:
   • Lack of Public Awareness: In many regions, there is insufficient public knowledge about mpox, leading to delayed health-seeking behavior and increased transmission.
   • Stigma: Mpox outbreaks have sometimes been associated with particular groups or behaviors, leading to stigma and discrimination, which can discourage individuals from seeking care or disclosing symptoms.
5. Economic and Social Impact:
   • Healthcare Burden: The spread of mpox places additional strain on healthcare systems, particularly in countries already burdened by other infectious diseases.
   • Economic Disruption: Outbreaks can disrupt economies, especially in affected regions, due to workforce absenteeism, reduced tourism, and increased healthcare costs.

Solutions

1. Strengthening Surveillance and Reporting:
   • Enhanced Surveillance Systems: Establishing or strengthening global and regional surveillance systems to monitor and report mpox cases in real-time is crucial for early detection and response.
   • Training Healthcare Workers: Training healthcare providers to recognize and report mpox cases can improve diagnosis and reduce underreporting.
2. Improving Access to Vaccines and Treatments:
   • Vaccine Distribution: Expanding the distribution of vaccines, especially in high-risk areas, and ensuring equitable access can help curb the spread of the virus.
   • Research and Development: Supporting research into specific treatments and vaccines for mpox, including clinical trials for antivirals like tecovirimat, is essential.
3. Public Health Education and Communication:
   • Raising Awareness: Public health campaigns to educate the public about mpox symptoms, transmission, and prevention measures can reduce stigma and encourage timely medical care.
   • Community Engagement: Engaging communities in affected regions through local leaders and organizations can improve public trust and compliance with health measures.
4. International Cooperation:
   • Global Health Partnerships: Collaborative efforts between countries, international organizations (e.g., WHO), and NGOs can enhance resource sharing, research, and response coordination.
   • Emergency Preparedness: Strengthening global preparedness for emerging infectious diseases, including stockpiling vaccines and developing rapid response protocols, can mitigate the impact of future outbreaks.
5. Addressing Economic and Social Impacts:
   • Economic Support: Providing financial assistance to affected individuals and communities can alleviate the economic burden of outbreaks.
   • Reducing Stigma: Initiatives to combat stigma, including community-based interventions and inclusive public messaging, are essential for fostering a supportive environment for those affected.

Conclusion

Addressing the challenges posed by mpox requires a comprehensive and coordinated global effort. By improving surveillance, increasing access to vaccines and treatments, raising public awareness, and fostering international cooperation, the spread of mpox can be controlled, minimizing its impact on public health and society.