Port-of-Spain, May 11, 2023: The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the general public that monkeypox, also known as mpox, is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The advisory was issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the fifth meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) Emergency Committee, held on May 10, 2023, regarding the multi-country outbreak of mpox. The Committee noted the sustained decline in reported cases globally and thus WHO concurred with the advice that the event no longer constitutes a PHEIC.
The Committee also recognised a 90 percent decline in reported cases within the last three (3) months. However, they noted that the virus continues to be transmitted within certain communities.
While there were no confirmed cases of this virus in Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Health will remain vigilant through its surveillance programmes directed against monkeypox and all other infectious diseases to safeguard the health of the public.
The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public updated as necessary.
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