In July 2022, the WHO deemed the illness a global public health emergency of international significance.  

Following the Emergency Committee meeting, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, delivered the announcement.  

More than 87 thousand cases and 140 fatalities related to monkey pox have been reported to WHO from 111 countries overall for more than a year.  

According to the WHO, even though the monkey pox epidemic may no longer be in a state of emergency, it still presents public health concerns that necessitate a strong, pro-active, and long-lasting response.