Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concern over the accelerating spread of mpox, warning that the virus is now establishing transmission chains across multiple regions beyond Africa.
According to WHO data, 17 African countries recorded 2,862 confirmed cases and 17 deaths between 14 September and 19 October. Recent detections in Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain reflect what the agency described as “silent transmission.”
In a statement on Friday, WHO said, “The geographic expansion of mpox underscores the urgent need for enhanced global coordination, vaccine access, and surveillance.”
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was historically limited to parts of West and Central Africa but has increasingly appeared in new regions without prior outbreaks, raising fears of sustained global spread.
Health experts caution that delayed intervention could allow the virus to become endemic across multiple continents.
“This is a pivotal moment,” WHO said. “Containment is still possible — but only if the world acts collectively and decisively.”
The agency called on governments to strengthen laboratory capacity, improve public awareness, and ensure equitable access to vaccines.
Public health professionals say early testing, rapid reporting and targeted vaccination campaigns are essential to prevent further transmission.
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Korede Abdullah