Global Virus Network Powers Up MPOX Defense Network, Launching A Continental Assault Against The Deadly Virus In Africa

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

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September 2, 2024 11:10 GMT+5:30

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A correction has been made regarding the press release issued on August 16th. The correct title for Sten Vermund is Sten Vermund, MD, PhD, President of the Global Virus Network (GVN) and Professor at Yale University, USA. The corrected version of the release is provided below for clarity.

Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of MPOX as a public health emergency of international concern, the Global Virus Network (GVN), based at the University of South Florida (USF), USA, took immediate action to address this escalating health threat. Recognizing the urgency, the GVN established an MPOX Action Committee in 2022, bringing together leading experts from various fields, including basic research, epidemiology, clinical research, and vaccine development, to guide the global response.

In recent weeks, the GVN has rapidly deployed critical resources and expertise to combat the spread of MPOX. The organization has initiated comprehensive assessments of existing diagnostic tools to ensure accurate and timely detection of the virus. Additionally, the GVN has been actively providing strategic support to regions most severely impacted by the outbreak, aiming to enhance local capacities for effective disease management and control.

The GVN’s coordinated efforts underscore its commitment to global health security and its role in leading the scientific community’s response to emerging viral threats. By leveraging its extensive network of researchers and health professionals, the GVN aims to mitigate the impact of MPOX and prevent further transmission, safeguarding populations worldwide from this pressing public health challenge.

Sten Vermund, MD, PhD, GVN President and Professor of Yale University, USA, said, “MPOX is a reemerging disease whose magnitude is rising at an alarming rate among general populations in Africa. Furthermore, it has shown potential for sexually associated transmission worldwide. The GVN MPOX Action Committee is working with the WHO and international partners to craft an evidence-based response and further research agenda.”

Following last week’s announcement about MPOX cases emerging in countries that had never before reported infections, the Global Virus Network (GVN) swiftly joined forces with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and several African institutions through its extensive member network. This collaboration aims to rigorously evaluate point-of-care (POC) tests for MPOX, focusing on verifying their accuracy, ensuring they are widely accessible, and guaranteeing they can be effectively used in diverse settings.

This partnership underscores the GVN’s commitment to strengthening global health responses by enhancing the reliability and availability of MPOX diagnostics. By working closely with international health agencies and leveraging local expertise, the GVN is dedicated to implementing diagnostic solutions that can be quickly deployed, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, to effectively monitor and control the spread of MPOX.

Emma Thomson, PhD, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Associate Director, Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, UK, a GVN Center of Excellence, added, “GVN’s coordinated response exemplifies the power of global collaboration in a public health crisis. We are proud to be part of a network that is helping to set priorities and making a real difference in the fight against MPOX. We look forward to working with the GVN, WHO, and other partners to mitigate this viral outbreak.”

The GVN’s MPOX Action Committee is co-led by Rachel Roper, PhD, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at East Carolina University, USA, who expressed deep concern: “The MPOX virus appears to be evolving for more efficient human transmission, which is alarming. With 17,000 reported cases and the unprecedented spread of MPOX Clade Ib from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to neighboring countries, there is a clear need for heightened and continuous surveillance. We have vaccines that mitigate illness and death, but there is an urgent need for improved vaccines with better safety and efficacy.”

Dr. Roper further emphasized the importance of therapeutics, stating, “We do have antibodies and treatments that offer some protection, but these viruses have already demonstrated the ability to rapidly develop resistance. It’s critical that we expand the arsenal of therapeutic agents.”

Two years ago, the Global Virus Network (GVN) established an MPOX Action Committee, enlisting a team of leading experts to spearhead global efforts against this emerging health threat. As part of its ongoing proactive measures, GVN recently deployed 1,000 newly developed rapid tests specifically designed for MPOX to its network of members across Africa. These tests are currently being evaluated in parallel to ensure their effectiveness and reliability in diverse environments. This initiative reflects GVN’s commitment to equipping its partners with the tools necessary to respond swiftly to the virus’s spread.

To further enhance diagnostic capabilities, GVN is introducing new rapid test platforms that utilize loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. By strategically placing these platforms in various locations, GVN aims to facilitate the development and implementation of diagnostics that can be utilized in resource-limited settings. This approach is crucial in ensuring that even regions with limited access to sophisticated laboratory facilities can accurately diagnose and manage MPOX cases, thus preventing widespread outbreaks.

Since 2022, GVN members have significantly contributed to advancing MPOX research, with over 70 scientific papers published on various aspects of the virus. These publications cover a wide range of topics, from the molecular biology of MPOX to clinical management strategies and public health responses. This body of work not only enhances the understanding of MPOX but also provides valuable insights into effective methods for containment and treatment, shaping global health policies and response strategies.

GVN’s comprehensive efforts, including the formation of the MPOX Action Committee, deployment of rapid tests, and support for cutting-edge research, underscore its leadership role in global health security. By mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration among its international network, GVN is working to mitigate the impact of MPOX and protect vulnerable populations worldwide. These initiatives highlight the importance of preparedness and innovation in addressing emerging infectious diseases and safeguarding public health.

Laurens Liesenborghs, MD, PhD, an infectious disease specialist and researcher at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium, under the lead of Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, MD, PhD, Director of the Virology Division at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Democratic Republic of the Congo, together with others, was the first to investigate and sequence the newly identified MPOX Clade Ib variant.  Dr. Liesenborghs said, “Our team remains on-site, dedicated to conducting research, and supporting surveillance and patient care. Together, we continue to combat this evolving threat and ensure the health and safety of the affected communities. Support from the GVN, which we are receiving, and other partners, is needed to address this public health crisis swiftly.”  Drs. Liesenborghs and Mbala-Kingebeni are members of the GVN MPOX Action Committee.

Maggie L. Bartlett, PhD, Program Director at GVN and virologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA, a GVN Center of Excellence, said, “The ongoing challenges with MPOX underscore the urgent need for comprehensive global surveillance and targeted response strategies. By closely collaborating with WHO and other international partners, we ensure that our efforts are aligned and that our scientific contributions directly address the pressing challenges on the ground.”

In 2024, MPOX has been identified in 13 countries, including those previously unaffected such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), these nations have collectively reported 2,863 confirmed MPOX cases and 517 deaths, with numbers continuing to rise, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected cases across the continent have now exceeded 17,000, marking a substantial increase from the 7,146 suspected cases reported in 2022 and 14,957 in 2023. Africa CDC officials have highlighted that nearly 70% of MPOX cases in the DRC involve children under the age of 15, who also account for a staggering 85% of the reported deaths, underscoring the severe impact on younger populations.

GVN plays a crucial role in facilitating direct communication between its experts, WHO officials, and other international partners. Christian Bréchot, MD, PhD, Vice Chairman of the GVN Board of Directors, GVN President Emeritus and Senior Associate Dean for Research in Global Affairs at University of South Florida Health’s Morsani College of Medicine, USA, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “GVN’s role to enhance global efforts is critical in identifying research gaps and facilitating action to fill those gaps. GVN is uniquely prepared to quickly engage our members and provide expertise and on-the-ground support to mitigate the growing MPOX threat. We are pleased to catalyze and facilitate alliances to prepare and protect humankind from viral threats.”

The Global Virus Network’s (GVN) Viral Detection and Control Action Committee is set to hold an important meeting on August 22 at 11 AM EDT | 5 PM CET. This session will feature Dr. Lorenzo Subissi, the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) MPOX Task Force, who will present the latest updates on the global MPOX situation. Dr. Subissi is expected to share critical insights into the current status of the MPOX outbreak, including recent developments, challenges faced in the containment efforts, and progress made in the affected regions. His presentation aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing initiatives by the WHO and outline strategies to curb the spread of the virus. Additionally, the meeting will serve as a platform for GVN experts to discuss potential collaborative efforts and mobilize resources to support the global fight against MPOX. By engaging with GVN’s network of leading virologists and researchers, Dr. Subissi hopes to gather valuable feedback and secure commitments that will enhance the effectiveness of the international response to this public health threat.