UN Works to Contain Mpox Outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa
The United Nations has launched a response to contain the spread of mpox, a viral infection, in Eastern and Southern Africa. The outbreak has been detected in five countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda, with over 200 confirmed cases.
UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) are working together with local partners to respond to the outbreak. The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last week, following a surge of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries.
Dr. Francis Kasolo, director and head of the WHO at the African Union and U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and proactive efforts to combat mpox. “It is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to combat mpox. This means not only addressing it in the immediate needs, but also investing in long-term strategies that will build resilient health systems capable of withstanding future outbreaks and shocks,” he said.
Botswana and Zimbabwe are now screening for mpox after their neighbor, South Africa, recorded three deaths from the new strain. Zimbabwe is screening for the viral ailment at all ports of entry.
Zimbabwean Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora urged citizens to be cautious, saying that anyone presenting with high fever and rash should be thoroughly investigated. “We have kits to do tests for monkey pox,” he said. “So yes, we are on a very high alert.”
Dr. Norman Matara of Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights emphasized the importance of preventing the spread of mpox, given the country’s poor healthcare system. “It saves the nation a lot of money because treatment is always expensive,” he said. “It also prevents us from unnecessary lockdown restrictions of movements… like what we saw with COVID-19.”
The WHO regional director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, highlighted the need for increased access to vaccines, saying that the agency is working to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to scale up production and increase availability.
Symptoms of mpox include a rash, lesions, muscle aches, and swollen lymph glands. While most people fully recover, some become very ill and die.
