elpais.com
Mpox: One Year After the Emergency Declaration
A year after the WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, the situation in the West has calmed, but the virus continues to spread in the DRC and neighboring countries, primarily affecting children due to conflict and limited access to vaccines.
- What factors contribute to the ongoing mpox transmission in the DRC and neighboring countries?
- The initial concern was a new mpox variant (clade IB) spreading faster and with higher lethality than previous strains. The WHO's response included a coordinated international effort to control outbreaks and save lives, but limited success has been seen outside of Western countries.
- What are the long-term implications of the mpox outbreak, and what strategies are needed to effectively control its spread?
- While the West sees sporadic imported cases, the DRC and neighboring countries face sustained community transmission, particularly impacting children due to close contact and immature immune systems. The lack of significant progress in endemic areas, coupled with limited vaccine access due to production capacity and hoarding, poses a continued global risk.
- What were the immediate consequences of the WHO declaring mpox a public health emergency, and what is the current situation?
- One year ago, the WHO declared mpox a public health emergency. Contrary to initial fears, it didn't spread rapidly globally with high lethality, and the situation is now considered less alarming in the West. However, mpox continues to circulate in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative prioritizes the Western experience with mpox, detailing the initial fear and the subsequent decline in attention. This framing overshadows the ongoing crisis in Africa, where the majority of cases and deaths are occurring. The headline (if there was one, as it's not provided) likely emphasized the initial Western concern, further reinforcing this bias.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, although phrases like "pánico" (panic) and descriptions of the initial response in the West might subtly emphasize the Western perspective. However, the overall tone avoids sensationalism and attempts to present a balanced account, if not fully balanced geographically.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the initial panic and the subsequent decline in Western concern regarding mpox, potentially omitting the ongoing struggles in endemic regions like the DRC. While mentioning continued transmission and high numbers of infections in Africa, the long-term consequences and impact on these communities are not fully explored. The article also doesn't discuss the economic and social impacts of the disease in affected regions.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by contrasting the initial panic in the West with the current lack of concern, ignoring the persistent and significant problem in Africa. This framing simplifies a complex issue and downplays the ongoing health crisis in endemic areas.
Gender Bias
The article mentions the initial spread of mpox among men who have sex with men, but this detail is not overly emphasized or presented in a stigmatizing way. The focus remains on the broader public health crisis, rather than perpetuating stereotypes or biases related to sexual orientation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the ongoing mpox outbreak, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with significant numbers of new infections and deaths. This directly impacts SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, by hindering efforts to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The lack of sufficient vaccines and resources in affected areas further exacerbates the situation. The quote "The problem of mpox is fundamentally due to the war situation in DRC" directly links the conflict to the spread of the disease and the inability to control it effectively.