According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), it is possible to eliminate human-to-human transmissions of monkeypox in Europe.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director Europe, stated that there are encouraging early signs that the outbreak is slowing.
Over 22,000 cases were reported in 43 countries of the European region. This region accounts for more than a quarter of the global infection rate. This region includes Russia as well as Central Asian countries.
The WHO reported last week that there was a 21% drop in new cases worldwide, after four weeks of increases.
Kluge stated that there are encouraging signs in France, Germany and Portugal, which have been confirmed in Spain, France, the United Kingdom and other countries. He also said that the outbreak may be slowing down.
“To move towards elimination, we need to urgently intensify our efforts,” he said.
“We believe we can eliminate the sustained human-to–human transmission of monkeypox within the region if everyone is committed and puts the necessary resources in place.”
The organisation recommends surveillance measures, targeted vaccination, as well as identifying contact cases.
They recommend that you engage with the gay male community, where the virus is mainly distributed, in order to foster “an atmosphere free from stigma and discrimination”.
Kluge cited Portugal’s example as an example. “In the absence of a full vaccination campaign, we managed the reduction in the number of cases by engaging with communities and behavioural change.”
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