MPox (formerly known as Monkeypox) cases are currently accelerating in central Africa and there is emerging evidence that the virus is mutating.

This open knowledge-sharing community is in place to support research teams and encourage local research to address the pressing gaps in evidence. New data is needed to understand transmission, severity of disease, and longevity, to support vaccine development and testing, better detection, and diagnosis. Social science also strongly needs to support public health education, awareness, and detection to improve access to care and slow transmission.

In this area, you will find the latest updates/resources to support your research from across the network as well as trusted sources of further information from WHO and other organisations. Please check back here regularly as more resources and tools are added. 

Strategic framework for enhancing prevention and control of mpox 2024–2027 Ongoing mpox outbreak in Kamituga, South Kivu province, associated with monkeypox virus of a novel Clade I sub-lineage, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2024 

WHO Director-General declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
14 August 2024

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

New mpox strain mutating faster than expected, and other top health stories
30 August 2024 - World Economic Forum 

The new mpox strain spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is mutating faster than expected, particularly in regions lacking the resources for proper tracking, scientists report. This has led to "numerous unknowns" about the virus’s severity and transmission, complicating the global response, experts in Africa, Europe and the United States told Reuters.

Another worldwide alert – mpox is spreading. Here are three steps we can take to head it off
30 August 2024 - The Guardian

Just a little over a year since declaring that Covid-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern and that the 2022-23 mpox crisis had subsided, the World Health Organization finds itself warning of another crisis as cases of yet another new strain of the mpox virus spread from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to other countries in Africa and beyond.

WHO urges rapid access to mpox diagnostic tests, invites manufacturers to emergency review
29 August 2024 - World Health Organization

WHO has asked manufacturers of mpox in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) to submit an expression of interest for Emergency Use Listing (EUL). WHO has been in ongoing discussions with manufacturers about the need for effective diagnostics, particularly in low-income settings. The request for EUL expressions of interest by manufacturers is the latest development in these discussions.

Webinar resources

Mpox (monkeypox): How should we ethically respond?

This virtual seminar was chaired by Michael Parker, and featured contributions from Ayodele Jegede, David Heymann and Hayley Macgregor. It examined the ethical considerations arising when responding to monkeypox.

Co-circulation of human Mpox (monkeypox) virus and varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), DRC

The talk presented an overview of the study, the potential epidemiological significance of the findings, potential geographical factors involved in co-circulation, and the challenges researchers faced in the field.

LIVE: Media briefing on Mpox (monkeypox) with Dr Tedros

In this live media briefing, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), takes the lead. He shares crucial updates, insights, and recommendations concerning the monkeypox virus.

Mpox (monkeypox) Outbreak: Epidemiology, Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination

This session covers key aspects including the epidemiological landscape, available commercial testing capabilities, the administration and efficacy of TPOXX (tecovirimat) for treating monkeypox, and strategic considerations for vaccination.

Series of webinars on mpox. SESSION 1: Introduction, Applicable Framework and Epidemiology

This webinar serves as an introductory session on mpox, providing a comprehensive overview of the disease. It covers the relevant regulatory and public health frameworks, as well as an in-depth exploration of the epidemiology of mpox, including its transmission patterns, risk factors, and global impact.

Series of webinars on mpox, SESSION 2: Ensuring Effective Surveillance and Laboratory Investigation

This session focuses on ensuring effective surveillance and laboratory investigation of mpox. It covers methods for monitoring the disease, strategies for early detection, and the role of laboratory investigations in confirming cases and understanding the outbreak dynamics.

Series of webinars on mpox: SESSION 3: Standard Case Management, Prevention and Control of mpox

This session covers standard case management, prevention, and control of mpox. It provides detailed guidance on clinical management of cases, preventive measures to curb the spread, and effective control strategies.

Series of webinars on mpox: SESSION 4: Research expositions and prophylactic use of vaccine for mpox

This session delves into research expositions and the prophylactic use of vaccines for mpox. It highlights recent research findings, ongoing studies, and the development of new vaccines.

Series of webinars on mpox: SESSION 5: One Health, IMS, & RCCE in mpox Outbreak Response

This session focuses on the One Health approach, Incident Management System (IMS), and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) in mpox outbreak response.

Webinar: Monkeypox and Community Readiness

This webinar examines strategies for enhancing community readiness in the face of potential outbreaks. From understanding the disease to fostering proactive measures and effective communication, this session equips participants with essential tools to engage and empower communities in monkeypox prevention and response efforts.

Mpox (monkeypox): The State of the Science

An in-depth exploration of expert perspectives, and valuable knowledge to navigate the current state of the science surrounding monkeypox. The discussion delves into the disease's epidemiology, prevention options, and emerging research insights.

Mpox (Monkeypox) | Transmission, Pathophysiology, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Explore the intricacies of Monkeypox (Mpox) with a comprehensive overview covering transmission, pathophysiology, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. 

COVID-19 and Mpox: Reducing the spread of transmissible diseases in our communities

This discussion explores strategies for minimizing the spread of transmissible diseases such as COVID-19 and Monkeypox (Mpox) within our communities, delving into effective measures, best practices, and public health initiatives designed to mitigate transmission risks and safeguard public health.

Innovative Strategies for Outreach and for Improving Mpox Vaccination Levels

This webinar explores innovative strategies for outreach and enhancing Mpox (monkeypox) vaccination levels, delving into creative approaches and effective interventions aimed at increasing vaccine uptake and community protection against this infectious disease.

Mpox: Where Are We Now?

This webinar offered a current assessment of the status of Monkeypox (Mpox), providing insights into recent developments, epidemiological trends, advancements in research, and ongoing efforts in prevention and control strategies, to keep you informed on the latest regarding this emerging health concern.

CDC EPIC Webinar: Mpox (monkeypox) 101

This CDC EPIC Webinar titled "Monkeypox 101," offers essential insights into the basics of monkeypox, including its epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and public health response strategies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this infectious disease.

PrEP In Black America Mpox Webinar

The "PrEP In Black America Mpox Webinar" delves into the intersection of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage and Monkeypox (Mpox) among Black communities, discussing tailored prevention strategies, healthcare access barriers, and community empowerment initiatives to address Mpox risks effectively within this demographic.

Mpox Research Roundtable

This Mpox Research Roundtable discussion offered a collaborative platform for direct service providers, community leaders, social services, medical professionals, and community members to engage in Mpox research and awareness, fostering a shared understanding and effective response to the challenges posed by Monkeypox.