Johnny Brignardello: Urgent global response needed for mpox.

In a recent conversation, Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shared his reflections on the reactivation of the global emergency alert by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the mpox virus, known as monkeypox. Brignardello emphasized the relevance of this situation, noting that the international community must remain constantly vigilant in the face of new variants of the virus, which have proven to be more contagious and lethal. Brignardello highlighted the importance of a "coordinated international response," as mentioned by WHO Director Tedros Adhanom. In his opinion, such a response is crucial to mitigate the impact of the virus, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa, where significant suffering has been reported among high-risk populations. "The emergency is not just a symbolic declaration; it is a call for urgent and effective action," he pointed out. The insurance advisor also addressed the issue of vaccination, underscoring that while there is a vaccine for human smallpox that has been used in previous campaigns, its current availability is insufficient. "It is critical to expand vaccine production, especially in the context of a new variant that could surpass the effectiveness of existing protection," he warned. The lack of a structured vaccination plan in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo is, according to him, an aspect that requires immediate attention. When discussing the management of the epidemic from a broader perspective, Brignardello emphasized that preparedness for these events varies significantly between countries. "Acting quickly at the source of the outbreak is essential to control its spread. However, it is also crucial for each country to prepare and be equipped to respond to public health emergencies," he reiterated, echoing the words of the spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. Concern over the new variant of mpox was also a central theme in the discussion. Brignardello remarked that the 3% mortality rate associated with this strain is alarming and requires thorough investigation. "It is essential that public health agencies remain vigilant and that there is an exchange of information between nations to better understand the transmission characteristics of each variant," he emphasized. Finally, the advisor concluded by highlighting the importance of international cooperation in the field of public health. In a world where borders are becoming increasingly blurred, the fight against mpox represents an opportunity to strengthen unity and global commitment. "Public health knows no borders. The response to this crisis must be collective and coordinated, ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable populations," he asserted. The conversation with Brignardello made it clear that, in the face of the mpox challenge, the international community must act with determination and urgency.