On Wednesday WHO’s figures were released which showed that more than 50,000 monkeypox cases were reported in the global outbreak. However, the reports also showed a slowdown in virus transmission in its hotspots of Europe and the United States. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief stated that the decline in the new infections is proof that the outbreak could be stopped. The World Health Organization’s dashboard revealed 50,496 cases and 16 deaths reported to the UN agency this year after the outbreak was designated a worldwide public health emergency in July.

Adhanom Ghebreyesus gave a statement in the press conference saying, “The American continent accounts for more than a half of the reported cases and it can be seen that several countries continue to see an increase in cases. However, it is encouraging that the number of cases in Canada is decreasing. “ He further added, “A few of the European countries like Germany and the Netherlands are also witnessing a slowing down in the outbreak. This demonstrates the efficacy of public health interventions and community work to track the spread and control the transmission. All this proves what we have been saying since the beginning that with the correct measures the outbreak can be stopped.”

“To stop the further outbreak of monkeypox there are three important things: firstly we have the evidence that it’s possible, which we are now beginning to see; political will and dedication; and the execution of public health measures in the communities that need them most. There is no need for us to live with monkeypox.” Tedros added.

An increase in monkeypox infections has been reported since the start of May among the men who get intimate with another man. This was outside the African countries where it has long been endemic. On July 24, the WHO triggered its highest level of alarm classifying Monkeypox as a public health emergency which is a global concern, along with Covid-19. 

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