Written by Caleb Peterson.

In a surprising move, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on nations to unite in addressing what he terms an “international Mpox emergency.” This decision follows a minor outbreak of Mpox in remote regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), raising questions about the necessity of such a drastic response.

Tedros convened a WHO emergency committee meeting under the new international health regulations (IHRs) to determine if Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, should once again be classified as a disease of international concern. It’s important to note that Mpox is typically spread through sexual contact, which results in a low infectivity rate.

Back in 2022, Tedros independently declared Mpox a disease of international concern, despite the committee’s opposing view. “The actual death rate in healthy individuals contracting Mpox is almost non-existent,” Dr. Robert Malone shared on X, adding, “This is more fear-mongering by the WHO. Don’t fall for it.”

Earlier today, Tedros announced that the committee had advised him to declare a global Mpox emergency, and he readily accepted their recommendation. Declaring a disease outbreak as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) — the WHO’s highest alert level — can fast-track research, funding, and international collaboration to contain the disease.

The DR Congo Outbreak: A Trigger for Global Alarm?

The recent Mpox outbreak in DR Congo began with the spread of an endemic strain known as clade I. However, a new variant, clade Ib, appears to spread more easily through close contact, including sexual contact, which has led to its transmission beyond DR Congo to neighboring countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

This spread has prompted the WHO to call for a coordinated international response. “It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop these outbreaks and save lives,” Tedros stated.

The WHO’s decision has sparked debate over whether this level of response is warranted, given the relatively low threat posed by Mpox. Critics argue that this move may be more about maintaining control than addressing an actual public health crisis.

WHO’s Pandemic Treaty Faces Resistance

In an unrelated but significant development, the WHO was recently forced to suspend the launch of its controversial Pandemic Treaty. This suspension came after widespread backlash from millions of citizens demanding accountability for the actions taken by global elites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are not where we hoped we would be when we started this process,” admitted Roland Driece, co-chair of WHO’s negotiating board for the agreement. The final draft of the treaty was set to be presented at the upcoming World Health Assembly, but it will now be indefinitely postponed.

Despite this setback, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remains undeterred. “This is not a failure,” he insisted in Geneva following the talks. “We will try everything — believing that anything is possible — and make this happen because the world still needs a pandemic treaty,” he warned, signaling the organization’s determination to push forward with its agenda.

Our Take

The WHO’s declaration of an international Mpox emergency raises serious concerns about the organization’s motivations. The minimal threat posed by Mpox, particularly its low infectivity and near-zero death rate among healthy individuals, suggests that this emergency declaration may be more about control than genuine public health needs. Moreover, the WHO’s relentless pursuit of a pandemic treaty, despite widespread opposition, indicates a troubling disregard for public opinion. It’s crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and critically evaluate the actions of global institutions that may be driven by power rather than the public’s best interests.