Medical staff treat a patient with mpox at a hospital in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

"The decision was based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field, and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners," it said in a statement.

"The WHO Director-General, agreeing with the advice of the (International Health Regulations) IHR Emergency Committee, has determined that the upsurge of mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern," it said.

Previously, the WHO and other health organisations announced the allocation of an initial 899,000 vaccine doses for nine countries across the African region that are hit hard by the current mpox surge.

WHO also established a program to deliver vaccines, testing tools, and treats for mpox to the most vulnerable people in the world's poorest countries, similar to efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monkeypox is caused by a virus that can be transmitted to humans from infected animals or through close physical contact. The disease causes fever, muscle aches, skin lesions, and can be fatal.