WHO warns of growing Mpox trends worldwide, condemns killing of patients in Sudan’s El Fasher

WHO warns of growing Mpox trends worldwide, condemns killing of patients in Sudan’s El Fasher
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The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday that 17 countries in Africa have experienced ongoing active transmission of mpox over the past six weeks, with 2,862 confirmed cases, including 17 deaths between September 14 and October 19.

According to the Reuters, WHO also said that Malaysia, Namibia, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain have detected the Clade Ib mpox(MPXV) for the first time since the agency’s last report.

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact and typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild, but can be lethal.

The organization also condemns the killing of over 460 patients and companions, and the abduction of six health workers on 28 October at Saudi Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur. This hospital, the only partially functioning one in El Fasher, was attacked multiple times in October, resulting in deaths and injuries among health staff.

Since the conflict began, 46 health workers have been killed and 48 injured in El Fasher. Over 260,000 people are trapped with little access to food, water, or medical care. Violence has displaced tens of thousands more, worsening shortages of shelter, protection, and health services. Cholera is spreading rapidly amid poor water access, with high fatality rates. El Fasher has been cut off from humanitarian aid since February 2025, causing rising malnutrition and increased vulnerability to disease. WHO calls for respect of health care under International Humanitarian Law.