/country-readiness-strengthening-(crs)/community-readiness-and-resilience-(crr)/img_20230326_131817_296(1).tmb-1200v.jpg?sfvrsn=fe0f758_1 "Treatment and medical support for patients with ampox and their families")
The global ampox outbreak that began in 2022 has resulted in more than 100,000 confirmed cases reported to WHO. The rapid spread of the new clade 1B strain, particularly in eastern DRC and neighbouring countries and its recent detection in Sweden and Thailand, underlines the growing threat. This escalating situation led to the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern on 14 August 2024.
The World Health Organization is leading the global response by providing strategic leadership in partnership with international and regional organisations, including providing clinical expertise to improve supportive care in both hospitals and homes; developing and updating response guidance for the control of ampox, including infection prevention control measures, how to screen, prioritise and isolate patients, and how to manage mild and uncomplicated ampox, including skin lesions, eye complications, pain, good nutrition and hydration.
The webinar aims to provide a quick overview of the status of ampox and offer practical guidance on the treatment of mild and severe patients based on WHO interim guidelines developed in 2022. This includes guidance in the African context – where recognition and home care of ampox rash can be challenging.
Speakers
Dr. Nedret Emiroglu, Director, Country Preparedness Strengthening, WHO
Professor Lucille BlumbergID Consultant, Medical Microbiologist, South Africa
Dr. André HamamaCDC Africa/Ethiopia
Dr. Steve Woolley, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK
Dr. Nerissa MoodleyDermatologist, South Africa
Dr. Steve YehOphthalmologist, UNMC, USA