Background
As of late 2025, mpox is no longer classified as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) but continues to be monitored as an active multi-country outbreak. Following the resurgence of Clade 1 cases in parts of Africa in 2024, WHO re-declared mpox a PHEIC; however, the emergency committee’s most recent review (Oct 2025) concluded that the situation, while still serious, no longer meets the criteria for a global emergency. Mpox transmission now persists at low-to- moderate levels, mainly in endemic and humanitarian settings, where overcrowding and limited access to healthcare and isolation options continue to drive localized clusters. WHO and partners are supporting countries to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacities, vaccination, clinical care, IPC/WASH and community care capacities to prevent further spread and ensure equitable access to care.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a key pillar in the outbreak response; adherence to IPC practices can prevent and control transmission of infections to health and care workers, patients, caregivers and their family members. Home-based care is an essential component of the mpox response, particularly for patients with mild or uncomplicated disease or where healthcare capacity is limited. However, it is difficult to implement the homebased care in IDPs and refugee settings. Therefore, WHO in collaboration with key UN agencies (UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM) published guidance to manage mild mpox cases in IDP and refugee settings.
This session focuses on the newly released WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM “Technical Note on Safe and Supportive Care in Community Care Centres for Mild Mpox”. The guidance responds to the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and other populations living in overcrowded or resource-limited settings where home isolation is not feasible. It highlights how infection prevention and control (IPC), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), mental health and community engagement measures can be adapted to protect both health and dignity.
Objectives of the webinar:
- To present new guidance developed in collaboration with UNHCR, UNICEF and IOM, on safe and supportive care in community care centres for individuals with mild mpox.
- Highlight core IPC and WASH measures needed to safely manage mild cases in humanitarian and camp settings.
- Showcase country and partner experiences in establishing and running community care centres.
- Discuss community engagement and psychosocial support strategies that foster trust, reduce stigma and promote reintegration.
Speakers
Opening remarks and objectives: Dr Janet Diaz, Unit Head, Safe and scalable care unit, Department of Humanitarian and Disasters Management, WHE and Dr Kai Von Harbou, Unit Head, Community Protection and Resilience unit, WHE
Overview of the WHO Technical Note: Safe and Supportive Care for Mild Mpox, Dr Nosheen Usman, Technical Officer, Department of Humanitarian and Disasters Management, WHE, Ms Mariana Palavra, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, Emergency Response Team, UNICEF, Ms Sarah Karmin, Programme Specialist, UNICEF and
Dr Lester Geroy, Consultant, WHO
• Rationale and scope
• Core IPC/WASH and RCCE principles
• Role of Community Health Workers in Promoting Safe Care and Reducing Stigma
Partner Experiences: Setting up Care Centers in IDP or Refugee Camps: Dr Asaad Kadhum, Public Health Specialist, UNHCR
Q&A and open discussion: (Mr Pierre Yves Oger, WASH and Public Health Consultant, UNICEF
and Ms Tendai Makamure, IPC Specialist, WHO African Region)
Closing remarks and next steps: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO
Registration: