The rapidly spreading monkeypox outbreak represents a global health emergency, the World Health Organisation's highest level of alert, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday.
The WHO label - a "public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)" - is designed to trigger a coordinated international response and could unlock funding to collaborate on sharing vaccines and treatments.
Members of an expert committee that met on Thursday to discuss the potential recommendation were split on the decision, with nine members against and six in favour of the declaration, prompting Tedros himself to break the deadlock, he told reporters.
More than 16,000 cases have now been reported from 75 countries, said Tedros, adding that five deaths so far.
Russia hits power plants, kills four, leaves Kyiv under smoke
US forces exit remaining bases in Iraq
Shark stranded in South Korean canal draws 600,000 visitors as rescue bid fails
Norway parliament probes Epstein links to politicians, diplomats
Morocco's king appoints first woman prime minister following election
