The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern.

It has been determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

A new virus strain - clade 1b - has spread rapidly in DRC.

There are currently no cases of Clade 1 mpox confirmed in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency has welcomed the move to release funding to accelerate vaccine access for lower-income countries and support surveillance, preparedness and response activities.

Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: "The risk to the UK population is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK. This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and the prevention of onward transmission."