The Monkeypox outbreak has been declared a global health emergency of international concern.

Director General of the World Health Organization, WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, made the declaration at a press briefing, this morning (July 23).

The classification is the highest alert, that the WHO can issue and follows a worldwide upsurge in cases.

It came at the end of the second meeting of the WHO‘s Emergency Committee.

More than 16,000 cases and 5 deaths, have been reported from 75 countries.

Dr. Tedros is urging countries to be vigilant and implement the appropriate control and prevention measures.

Noting that Monkeypox is prevalent amongst gay men, Dr. Tedros is also urging countries, to work with the community, to contain and prevent the spread.