WHO boss calls for $135 million to stop mpox outbreak

A test tube labelled "Mpox virus positive" is held in this illustration taken August 20, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/File Photo

GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the World Health Organization called for global concerted action to control a new mpox outbreak, announcing a response plan that will require at least $135 million over the next six months.

"Let me be clear: this new mpox outbreak can be controlled and can be stopped," Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a speech to WHO member states on Friday, later posted on social media platform X.

"Responding to this complex outbreak requires a comprehensive and coordinated international response," he said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge)