No, WHO did not order governments to prepare for mpox 'mega lockdowns'

What is the claim?

An image circulating on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook claims that the World Health Organization (WHO) has instructed governments to prepare for lockdowns due to a recent mpox outbreak, which the agency has declared a public health emergency.

The screenshot, purportedly from The People’s Voice, is headlined, “WHO Orders Governments To Prepare for ‘Mega Lockdowns’ Due to ‘Deadly Monkeypox’ Strain.” It features an image of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The article, credited to Sean Adl-Tabatabai, was published on August 15, 2024.

The photo has attracted considerable attention, with posts on X receiving over 100,000 views and more than 1,000 likes. One X user shared the photo with the caption, “Wow @realDonaldTrump already predicted this to happen. 😳😱 They are trying to lockdown the world and stay in power, whatever it takes, ye?” An archived version of this post can be accessed here.

Another user on Threads shared the photo with the caption, “Everyone ready for lockdown 2.0??” Archives of this and other similar posts can be found here, here, here, here, and here.

Screenshots of similar claims. (Source: X/Threads/Modified by Logically Facts)

Upon investigation, we found that the WHO has not requested governments to take such measures. The claim originates from The People’s Voice, a website known for spreading misinformation and fabricating stories.

What are the facts?

The viral article from The People’s Voice (archived here) features the same headline seen in the viral screenshot. The piece, authored by Sean Adl-Tabatabai and published on August 15, 2024, states that the WHO has ordered governments to prepare for “tough new lockdowns” due to the “strong likelihood” of a new monkeypox strain becoming a deadly pandemic.

The article acknowledges that mpox has been classified as a “public health emergency of international concern” but fails to provide evidence for the claim that WHO has mandated lockdowns. Instead, it references statements by Ghebreyesus on disease spread and speculates about lab-manufactured diseases and future pandemics.

Has WHO made any such statement?

On August 14, 2024, the WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency but did not issue any directives regarding ‘mega lockdowns’ or a ‘strong likelihood of a pandemic.’ The WHO stated that it is collaborating with countries and vaccine manufacturers on potential vaccine donations and is working with partners through the interim Medical Countermeasures Network to ensure equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other tools.

No credible news reports or WHO press releases on its website indicate that the organization has instructed governments worldwide to prepare for lockdowns.

Tarik Jašarevic, WHO Spokesperson for Media Relations, told Logically Facts, “These claims are false. WHO cannot and has not ordered governments to prepare for ‘mega lockdowns’ or any kind of lockdown due to mpox.” Jašarevic further explained that the WHO provides technical advice and support to its 194 Member States, which retain the sovereignty to make decisions regarding public health.

Mpox outbreak

Mpox is an infectious disease characterized by a painful rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In response to a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United States is preparing to provide the initial doses of a vaccine next week. 

This outbreak has not only affected the DRC but has also spread to neighboring African countries, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. For more details about mpox and the ongoing response, read our full story here.

The verdict

The viral screenshot claiming that the WHO has ordered governments to prepare for ‘mega lockdowns’ due to mpox is false. The claim originates from a source known for spreading misinformation.