UN Efforts to Contain Mpox Outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF, WHO, and Africa CDC Collaborate to Respond to Spread of Mpox Clade 1b Variant

The United Nations said Thursday it is working with governments and health officials in Eastern and Southern Africa to contain the outbreak of mpox there.

Confirmed Cases Reach Over 200 in Five Countries

UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with local partners, are responding to the spread of the new mpox clade 1b variant. More than 200 confirmed cases have been detected in five countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.

WHO Director Calls for Continued Vigilance and Proactive Measures

Dr. Francis Kasolo, director and head of the WHO at the African Union and U.N. Economic Commission for Africa, told a joint WHO-Africa CDC meeting, “Our collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing surveillance, laboratory capacity, and effective deployment of technical capacity to countries. Together, we are making progress.” However, he emphasized that there is still much to be done to contain the outbreak.

Zimbabwe Screens for Mpox at All Ports of Entry

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. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora urged citizens to report any suspected cases of mpox to the authorities.

Experts Warn of High Alert and Need for Vaccine Distribution

Dr. Norman Matara of Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights warned that given the country’s poor healthcare system, it is better to prevent mpox from entering the country rather than trying to contain it after cases appear. Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, called for increased surveillance and priority vaccination for front-line health workers in affected areas.

Symptoms and Prevention

Besides a rash, other symptoms of mpox can include lesions, muscle aches, and swollen lymph glands. Most people fully recover, but some become very ill and die. Public health officials want to block the current spread of mpox from entering the country rather than trying to address the viral ailment after people are infected.

Conclusion

The UN’s efforts to contain the mpox outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa are crucial in preventing the spread of this viral infection. With confirmed cases reaching over 200 in five countries, it is essential to increase surveillance and take proactive measures to prevent further transmission.

FAQs

* What is mpox?
Mpox is a viral infection that causes a rash, lesions, muscle aches, and swollen lymph glands.
* How many confirmed cases have been detected in Eastern and Southern Africa?
Over 200 confirmed cases have been detected in five countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
* Why is it important to prevent mpox from entering the country?
Given the country’s poor healthcare system, it is better to prevent mpox from entering the country rather than trying to contain it after cases appear, which can save the nation a lot of money and prevent unnecessary lockdown restrictions.