Mpox Global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan Announced

The World Health Organization (WHO) today launched a global Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to stop outbreaks of human-to-human transmission of the mpox virus. The plan covers the six months of September 2024-February 2025, envisioning a $135 million funding need for the response.

This plan follows the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO Director-General on August 14, 2024.

The WHO stated on August 26, 2024, to interrupt transmission chains, that strategic mpox vaccination efforts would focus on individuals at the highest risk, including close contact with recent cases and healthcare workers.

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization has recommended two vaccines against mpox disease. In the U.S., Bavarian Nordic's JYNNEOS® vaccine is available.