IMPACTS
Mpox as a global threat to health
The mpox virus (orthopoxvirus monkeypox, MPXV) is responsible for an emerging zoonotic disease.
- In May 2022, a major global outbreak of mpox, driven by a novel variant (Clade IIb), began in Europe and quickly spread worldwide, prompting the WHO to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). While cases outside Africa dropped by the end of summer 2022, they continue to be reported globally, illustrating continuing transmission of mpox across the world.
- In August 2024, the WHO issued a second PHEIC due to a new clade of the virus (Clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and nearby countries. During this same period, for the first time, Africa CDC also declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
International research effort is essential, as mpox remains a continental emergency in Africa and the risk of a new global health crisis persists.
Key Points with mpox
SYMPTOMS
More commonly :
acute skin rash or mucosal lesions
DEATH RATE
0,1 to 10 %
depending on the strain
TRANSMISSION
Humans to humans through physical contact or through infected animals
ENDEMIC AREAS
Africa, especially Sub-Saharan region
1st GLOBAL OUTBREAK
2022-2023 (clade IIb)
TREATMENT
Lack of proven antivirals efficacy
Specific results expected
The main expected outcome of the MPX-RESPONSE project is to allow the European Union and the international community to respond to public health emergencies of international scale, and in particular to the potential threat of re-emergence of the mpox epidemic.
Assess the efficacy and safety of Tecovirimat SIGA for treating mpox virus disease, as well as assess other potential therapeutic candidates as they emerge.
Implement an innovative approach, known as platform trials, for conducting clinical trial in response to public health emergencies.
Establish an international cooperation model to prevent and manage communicable disease epidemics.
Formulate recommendations to shape public health policies and to facilitate future clinical management of epidemics.
Expected Impacts
Scientific
impacts
- Better understanding the clinical and virological course of mpox, with and without antiviral treatment.
- Produce high quality data on the appropriate management of mpox patients
- Demonstrate therapeutic impact of antiviral drugs
Economic
impacts
- Reduction of public health costs
- Enhanced coordination of clinical trials to maximize patient inclusion for high- powered studies, at reasonable costs and speed-
- optimize resource efficiency in the scientific response to health emergencies, achieving greater results with reduced expenditure
Societal
impacts
- Higher community awareness and access to early treatment
- Reduction of morbidity, disease prevalence and transmission
- International framework for infectious disease trials
- Support research capacities beyond Europe
Useful links
For comprehensive details regarding mpox, including its transmission dynamics, symptoms and available treatments please visit the following informative pages:
