Monkeypox cases have fallen 90 percent worldwide in the last three months compared to the previous quarter, indicating that significant progress has been made in controlling the epidemic outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO), declared international health. emergency last July.

The Emergency Committee, made up of experts and set up by the WHO to follow the evolution of the outbreak, is meeting today to determine whether it is best to withdraw the emergency declaration or keep it on longer.

Cases of monkeypox (formerly known as monkeypox) were reported in 111 countries, with 87,000 cases and 140 deaths.

“We must congratulate the work of health authorities and civil society organizations who moved quickly to inform people of the risks, support behavior changes and demand access to tests, vaccines and treatment,” said WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. opened the Emergency Committee meeting.

Although the panorama of this disease has improved remarkably, Tedros reminded that the virus continues to spread in certain groups and countries, especially in the Western Pacific region, and there are still imports of the virus through people who travel.

The current outbreak started in 2022 in the United Kingdom and cases will soon start being reported in countries around the world where the disease is not endemic, which is a concern to the authorities.

According to Tedros, the risk of routine transmission of the disease is significant in countries experiencing outbreaks, especially in situations where the mode of transmission is not well understood.

“Unfortunately, many countries have caught their guard down and cut back on testing and vaccinations,” said the Director-General, who will receive recommendations from the Emergency Committee and must decide – within his mandate – whether to accept them or not.

These conclusions are expected to be issued from this Thursday, although the elaboration may take longer in case of disagreements among experts.