Mpox Outbreak: Impact and Public Health Response

The re-emergence of mpox as a global public health threat has once again brought the viral disease to the attention of the international community. As mpox cases increase and spread beyond the shores of Africa, public health experts face the challenge of implementing effective measures to contain the disease. This review aims to examine the significance of mpox in public health, with a particular focus on recent outbreaks and understanding the public health response. The review explores recent approaches, including vaccination strategies, risk communication, and emergency preparedness. The paper also critically analyses limitations and offers possible future directions for improving the management of current and future outbreaks. Google and Google Scholar search engines as well as PubMed database were searched to identify literature concerning mpox public health impact and response. Websites of the WHO and similar organizations were also searched. The key search terms used were “mpox,” “public health,” “impact,” “response,” and “outbreak.” The review findings highlighted the challenges and gaps in the ongoing mpox outbreak response, ranging from vaccine shortage to limited surveillance and testing capacity and infrastructure, as well as inequitable access to vaccines and medical countermeasures. Other challenges include logistical issues and ongoing conflicts. This article emphasized the urgent need for multi-sectoral collaboration among key stakeholders, including embracing a One Health approach in case detection and investigation. The prevention and control of mpox require a more effective response that prioritizes rapid and equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and other necessary countermeasures.