OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization
(WHO) convened the first meeting of its International Health
Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee regarding the upsurge of mpox
2024. Following the meeting, the WHO Director General issued a
statement declaring that the increase in mpox cases in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa, as well as the emergence of a new
strain of clade I mpox constitute a public health emergency of
international concern (PHEIC). This follows the Africa Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention declaration on August 13, 2024, that the situation is a public
health emergency of continental security (PHECS) as it is spreading
rapidly from the Democratic Republic of
the Congo to other African countries.
There have been no cases of clade I mpox virus to date in
Canada. Although the risk to
people in Canada from clade I mpox
remains low at this time, the Government of Canada is closely monitoring the mpox
situation in the DRC and neighbouring countries, while working with
domestic and international partners to determine opportunities for
support.
There has been an ongoing outbreak of clade II mpox in
Canada since 2022. Some regions of
Canada have continued to report
cases of clade II mpox, including a recent uptick of cases in the
Toronto area. Current reports
suggest that clade II mpox is less severe than clade I.
In collaboration with provincial and territorial partners, the
Public Health Agency of Canada
(PHAC) has been monitoring for mpox virus through wastewater
surveillance in Canada since
July 2022 and has the ability to test
for clade I and clade II. Mpox cases detected in provinces and
territories are required to be reported to PHAC. As part of its
routine preparedness activities, PHAC is working with Global
Affairs Canada and partners to update risk assessments, public
health guidance and travel health advice as appropriate. Since
April 2024, a level two travel health
notice has been in effect for the DRC, recommending that travellers
practise enhanced health precautions. Travellers are urged to
protect themselves and those around them from mpox if travelling to
countries that are experiencing outbreaks. In particular, be
vigilant if planning to attend gatherings or events that entail
close, prolonged and frequent interactions among people, such as
sexual activity.
In addition, the Government of Canada has secured sufficient supply of mpox
vaccines to support provincial and territorial programs for the
prevention and control of mpox in Canada. The National Advisory Committee on
Immunization (NACI) provided updated guidance in May 2024, recommending a two-dose vaccination
series for mpox among adults at high-risk of
exposure. Vaccination is expected to protect against both
clade I and II. At this time, vaccination of the general public is
not recommended.
Canada is a strong supporter of
the WHO's multi-donor Contingency Fund for Emergencies
(CFE), having contributed $11
million CAD since 2018, including $2
million CAD in 2024. The WHO has made an allocation
from the CFE in response to the current mpox outbreak in the DRC
and other African countries. Canada is exploring additional avenues to
support the global response in close collaboration with WHO and
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Global Affairs Canada is actively
working with Gavi to look at all options for Canadian engagement,
including potential donation, to ensure vaccines reach those who
need them the most. Since 2000, Canada has provided Gavi with more than
$1.6 billion in core funding.
Canada was also a top donor in
support of Gavi's efforts to increase global access to vaccines
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government of Canada looks
forward to reviewing the WHO's recommendations to be released in
the coming days and how it can further assist. The Government
continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates
on its response as the situation evolves.
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada