No, the WHO has not ordered global mpox lockdowns

The World Health Organization on Aug. 14 designated the rapid spread of mpox — formerly known as monkeypox — in African countries a public health emergency of international concern. Although the move was intended to help WHO member countries prepare, it also led to rapid spread of another kind: misinformation.

"WHO Orders Govt’s To Prepare for ‘Mega Lockdowns’ Due to ‘Deadly Monkeypox’ Strain," read a headline reposted on Instagram. Underneath the headline, it said "Fact-checked by The People’s Voice Community."

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The headline comes from an article published by The People’s Voice, a website known for publishing false headlines. The full article says the WHO has ordered governments "to prepare to initiate tough new lockdowns" after declaring mpox a public health emergency.

Although the ​​Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported cases of mpox for more than a decade, a strain that emerged last year has proved to be more dangerous, with 2024’s reported cases — 15,600 with 537 deaths — exceeding those in all of 2023, the WHO said. Mpox spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact, including sexual contact.

But the WHO has made no announcements about mpox lockdowns. Further, no credible media outlets have reported that the organization has called for lockdowns. 

Tarik Jasarevic, a WHO spokesperson, said the organization lacks the ability to order lockdowns and has not ordered governments to prepare for any kind of lockdown because of mpox. He said that the WHO provides technical advice to its 194 member states and member states have the sovereignty to make their own public health decisions. 

Jasarevic pointed PolitiFact to WHO’s standing recommendations for mpox, which advise member states not to impose travel restrictions. Those recommendations were issued last year and have been extended for another year. 

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Jasarevic also shared the WHO’s framework for prevention and control for mpox. The framework encourages countries to control mpox outbreaks, advance mpox research and limit transmission between animals and people. But the framework does not mention lockdowns. 

PolitiFact has previously reported that the WHO lacks the authority to force countries to do anything. 

We rate the claim that  the WHO ordered governments to prepare for "mega lockdown" because of a mpox strain False.