WMA calls for governments’ cooperation in mpox public health emergency

The World Medical Association urges governments to adhere to the principles of the 2023 UN Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR), in response to the designation by the WHO of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

“As we face the mpox crisis, WMA calls on countries to enhance regional and international cooperation to deliver a united, multisector and high-level approach. We ask governments to guarantee the affordable, equitable, and timely access to mpox medical countermeasures. And so that no one is left behind during the mpox public health emergency, WMA encourages national governments to provide universal access to quality health services, without financial hardship, for everyone and particularly for those in vulnerable situations,” said Dr. Lujain AlQodmani, President of the World Medical Association.

“The challenges that the world currently faces in responding to this outbreak further underline the importance of improving global solidarity. This is key to ensure that all countries contribute to supporting regions where outbreaks are occurring, to protect the health of the affected populations and prevent their international spread,” continued Dr. AlQodmani.

The realization of these principles through the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) and, hopefully, a new Pandemic Accord are critical for our future capacity to do better. Civil society organizations like the WMA and its worldwide membership base can actively contribute to operationalizing those principles.

The WMA also calls on countries to continue to invest in the development and support of a skilled health workforce, fundamental to building strong, resilient health systems which are better prepared for pandemics and public health emergencies.