WHO considers declaring monkeypox a global health emergency

The World Health Organization is contemplating whether the monkeypox outbreak should be declared a global emergency.

Some experts, however, said the WHO’s decision to act after the virus spread in the West could entrench the inequities that arose between rich and poor countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other scientists also doubt a declaration would help to combat the epidemic, since the developed countries recording the most recent cases are already moving to shut it down.

People in central and west Africa have been affected by monkeypox for decades. To date, no deaths have been seen outside Africa.

The WHO said Thursday it did not expect to announce any decisions by its emergency committee before Friday.

There are 33 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ontario as of June 21.