Considerations for the control and elimination of mpox in the WHO European Region update 25 April 2023: the need for integrated national operational plans

Overview

The WHO Regional Office for Europe mpox policy brief series summarizes policy recommendations, knowledge and interim technical guidance on key policy areas around the monkeypox public health emergency of international concern in the WHO European Region. The briefs do not replace technical reports or guidance documents but provide information relevant to the European context in an accessible format. This document is an update and extension to WHO’s first policy brief on Considerations for the control and eventual elimination of mpox in the WHO European Region. It is intended to provide a framework for MS to develop national five-year action plans to sustain control and achieve elimination of mpox. It is aimed at decision-makers and policy-planners, including multisectoral coordination mechanisms established to respond to the mpox outbreak in the WHO European Region. The brief also outlines specific activities derived from the temporary recommendations issued by the WHO Director-General in relation to the multi-country outbreak of mpox following the fourth meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on 15 February 2023.