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| - Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that the WHO has declared Mpox is no longer a health emergency. Upon fact checking, we found out it’s False.
The Claim
A Facebook post alleges that the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared Mpox is no longer a health emergency. The post’s caption adds that this decision was reversed twice in a short time period.
Fact Check
Has the WHO reversed its decision on Mpox being a health emergency?
No, the WHO has not reversed its decision on Mpox being a health emergency in the manner suggested by the post. The video clip misrepresents the timeline of WHO’s declarations regarding Mpox.
Here’s what actually happened:
- First declaration (July 2022): Mpox was first declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO in July 2022. This was in response to the increasing spread of Mpox cases globally.
- Lifting the emergency (May 2023): In May 2023, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that Mpox was no longer considered a global health emergency. This decision was based on the significant reduction in Mpox cases and improved control measures.
- Second declaration (August 2024): The WHO declared Mpox a global public health emergency for a second time on August 14, 2024. This was due to a new outbreak, mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Mpox had started spreading to other countries. As of today, September 02, 2024, this emergency declaration remains in place, and there has been no reversal.
What measures are in place to control the spread of Mpox?
To control the spread of Mpox, the WHO and other health authorities have implemented various public health measures. These include vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, increased surveillance, contact tracing, and public education efforts to inform communities about how to prevent transmission. The re-declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency presses on the need for continued vigilance and adherence to these measures to prevent further outbreaks. It’s also vital to be cautious about misinformation, such as false claims that the WHO has ordered lockdowns for a deadly monkeypox strain. Health misinformation can cause unnecessary fear and confusion.
What does the video in the post actually show?
The Facebook post shows a video where WHO Director-General Tedros announces in May 2023 that Mpox is no longer a global health emergency. The post misleadingly presents this outdated information as a current event. This can cause confusion among the general public.
It’s important to note that public health decisions by the WHO come from extensive data analysis. These decisions are not reversed without clear, evidence-based reasons. The post’s implication that such decisions are made arbitrarily or rapidly reversed is not accurate. For instance, confusion about whether Mpox is airborne has caused unnecessary panic. It’s vital to rely on accurate and up-to-date information rather than outdated or misleading posts.
What is the current status of Mpox globally?
As of today, September 2, 2024, Mpox continues to pose a significant global health challenge. Despite ongoing efforts, the disease has not yet been fully contained, leading the WHO to re-declare it as a health emergency. New outbreaks have emerged, particularly in the regions hardest hit by the virus, stressing on the need for constant vigilance. The situation highlights the importance of sustained global cooperation and public health efforts. These joint efforts is necessary to control the spread and ultimately overcome this health threat.
How should one verify information about health emergencies?
To verify information about health emergencies, always consult reliable sources. These can include the WHO’s official website, government health agencies, or reputable news outlets. People should generally avoid trusting social media posts from unreliable pages. This is especially true for those that seem sensational or lack context. For example, sensational claims, such as the false notion that Bill Gates is integrating HIV into Mpox vaccines, can easily mislead people. Always cross-check such information to ensure accuracy.
THIP Media Take
The claim that the WHO has reversed its decision on Mpox being a health emergency multiple times in a short period is false. The video in the post is an old one and it taken out of context, leading to a misleading narrative. As of August 2024, Mpox remains a global health emergency, and there has been no recent reversal of this status. It is important to rely on accurate information and verify claims through credible sources. This is important to stay informed about public health issues.
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