18 Aug 2024

Ministry of Health remains vigilant following the significant threat posed by the ongoing outbreak of Mpox across Africa. 

This was said by Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Edwin Dikoloti in a statement he delivered in Parliament on Friday on the current status on Mpox in Botswana and the region, specifically touching on the proactive measures undertaken to protect the nation. 

Dr Dikoloti said Botswana had, however, not reported any case of Mpox but neighbouring South Africa had reported 24 cases of Mpox and three deaths.

“The close proximity of these outbreaks, highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance within our borders,” said Dr Dikoloti. 

He said the symptoms of Mpox included rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, myalgia, fatigue, chills and cough. 

The minister said Botswana had, in response to the pressing situation, significantly enhanced its epidemiological surveillance systems. 

Given the declarations by WHO and Africa Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) that Mpox outbreak was a global public health emergency, he said Botswana would intensify monitoring and screening at key entry points, including borders, airports and areas deemed to be of a higher risk of exposure. 

He said public health teams, through the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI), were fully prepared to detect, conduct rapid case investigations, trace contacts, and perform laboratory testing. 

He added that government through the ministry and other concerned stakeholders, had also ramped public health preparedness efforts, focusing on risk communication, community engagement and public awareness campaigns to ensure that citizens were well-informed and prepared. 

In alignment with the regional response plans developed by WHO and Africa CDC, Dr Dikoloti said Botswana was actively collaborating with international partners, including neighbouring countries, to share data, expertise, and best practices. “The collaboration is vital for effectively managing any potential outbreaks and minimising their impact on our communities,” he said. 

Giving essential advice to the nation on how to protect themselves from Mpox, Dr Dikoloti appealed to the public to practice good hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to significantly reduce the risk of infection. 

The public was also advised to avoid close contact by refraining from close contact with individuals who exhibited symptoms of Mpox, such as rashes or fever. 

Dr Dikoloti also advised those with the stated signs to seek medical attention. “If you or someone you know showing symptoms of Mpox, such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes, seek medical advice immediately. 

Early detection and treatment are crucial,” he said. 

He further advised the public to stay informed, saying ‘keep up to date with information from reliable sources such as the Ministry of Health, WHO, and Africa CDC. Staying informed is key to prevention.’ 

As for treatment options, he said currently, there was no specific treatment available for Mpox.

He said patients received symptomatic care like pain management and ant-itch medications to alleviate symptoms, adding such medical assistance was offered in the country at heath facilities. 

Additionally, he said patients were advised to self-isolate for 21 days to prevent the spread of the virus. 

“In addition to this there are two approved Mpox vaccines to prevent the disease. Although Botswana currently remains free from Mpox, it is crucial that we do not become complacent.” 

He said the ministry was fully committed to safeguarding public health. 

“We are actively working to secure Mpox vaccines in preparation for any potential outbreak, despite global supply constraints and high demand. We urge all Batswana to remain vigilant, follow health guidelines and cooperate with our collective efforts to prevent the spread of Mpox,” he said. 

Furthermore, Dr Dikoloti said the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, would hold a press briefing this week, to provide more detailed information on their preparedness efforts and Mpox surveillance measures. He said the recent surge in Mpox cases on the African continent had led WHO to declare Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). 

“This declaration is mirrored by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) which has classified Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS),” he said. 

Dr Dikoloti said PHEIC was a formal declaration by WHO signifying an extraordinary event that posed a public health risk to other states, through the international spread of disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global response. 

He said such a declaration was triggered by situations that were serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected with implications for public health beyond the affected states’ borders. 

He said the situation may at times necessitate immediate international action and states were legally obligated to respond promptly to a PHEIC. 

“The primary objective of this declaration, is to catalyse timely, evidence-based action to minimise public health and societal impacts of Mpox, while avoiding unnecessary travel and trade restrictions,” he said. 

He said Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, was a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and between humans historically through close contact, but now through sexual transmission. 

Although historically Mpox had primarily affected Central and West African countries, Dr Dikoloti said it had since 2022 spread beyond the said regions. Ends