Mpox outbreak response: Regulatory and public health perspectives from India and the world

Abstract

Background: Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has re-emerged as a significant global health concern, marked by its unexpected geographic spread and evolving clinical profile. Initially endemic to Central and West Africa, recent outbreaks have underscored its potential for sustained human-to-human transmission, posing challenges to public health systems worldwide.

Objective: This paper aims to examine the global epidemiology and impact of Mpox, while also highlighting the responses from regulatory bodies and public health organizations worldwide. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate India's strategic approaches to addressing this issue, identify existing research gaps, and propose future directions to enhance global health preparedness.

Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, WHO reports, and national policy documents was conducted to synthesize current knowledge on Mpox transmission, global and regional responses, and regulatory compliance along with shifting geopolitical landscape and India's potential for expanded global health leadership.

Results: The global response to Mpox has highlighted disparities in surveillance capacity, regulatory readiness, and access to diagnostics and vaccines. While international mechanisms such as the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) facilitated coordinated responses, implementation varied across regions. India's response has demonstrated adaptability through surveillance enhancements, diagnostic scale-up, and alignment with WHO guidelines, although challenges remain in areas such as vaccine availability and risk communication.

Conclusion: Mpox inspires a call for stronger global health governance and resilient national systems. By addressing research gaps in transmission, vaccine development, and regulations, while embracing a One Health approach and promoting regulatory harmonization and equitable resource distribution, we can pave the way for a future that prevents outbreaks and ensures the health security of our global community.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Global Regulatory Framework; India; Monkeypox; Mpox; World Health Organization (WHO).