Mpox outbreaks in Africa could be ended in 6 months, WHO chief says
Associated PressSEP 2024
WHO Approves First Mpox PCR Test
Above: Workers from the NGO Alima walk in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sept. 20, 2024. Image copyright: Glody Murhabazi/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Since the WHO declared mpox an emergency in August, the global health community has ramped up its public health regimens. While this robust program has included both testing and treatments, roadblocks — including vaccine hesitancy and lack of funding — still persist. It's now paramount that every country, particularly in Africa where the virus is endemic, begin looking for flu-like symptoms and conducting mass testing and vaccinations.
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite the WHO's confidence, it appears the global health body is making all the same mistakes it did with COVID. We don't actually know if there are multiple strains, nor is it clear if this is an animal-to-human virus or a sexually transmitted disease. The world can't even rely on the efficacy of these emerging PCR tests, but what it can expect is for the WHO to push for experimental treatment mandates and censorship.