Mpox is no longer a global health emergency, WHO announces
NBCJUL 2023
As Africa faces the brunt of the mpox outbreak, research on how to combat the virus is vital. However, with studies limited to wealthier countries, clinical trials and outbreak surveillance must be funded with a primary focus on hard-hit African countries. Poorer countries shouldn't be left helpless simply due to economic inequality.
While the initial mpox outbreaks may have come from animals, it appears the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is conducting gain-of-function research yet again. No scientist or government should be conducting studies that have the potential to make these diseases even deadlier in the face of an existing endemic in Africa.