The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the spread of mpox in multiple African countries a public health emergency of international concern, the second such declaration in the past two years called in response to transmission of the virus.

The latest decision came on the recommendation of a panel of experts convened to advise WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the issue. It also follows a similar declaration Tuesday by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It’s clear that a coordinated international response is essential to stop this outbreak and save lives,” Tedros said in announcing the declaration of the PHEIC.