20 Aug 2024

Batswana have been discouraged from undertaking unnecessary cross-border travels in the wake of increasing cases of Mpox in Africa.

Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Edwin Dikoloti made the plea in a media briefing in Gaborone on Tuesday.

The plea also comes in the wake of the declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) and as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Dr Dikoloti, however, assured the nation that Botswana had not yet registered any case of Mpox, and that government was ready for that eventuality.

“Government is prepared to test for Mpox as needed. Our laboratory network has been strengthened to conduct genomic sequencing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

He said that through the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI), Botswana has significantly enhanced its epidemiological surveillance systems.

“We are currently intensifying monitoring and screening at key entry points, such as borders and airports as well as focusing on other higher-risk areas,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti also advised Batswana and residents to always take advice only from authoritative sources such as the Ministry of Health to avoid unnecessary panic.

He also advised people to always alert their local health authorities if they suspect that they may be infected.

He said general infection control measures that worked during the COVID-19 pandemic were effective in stopping the spread of Mpox.

“The community is, therefore, encouraged to regularly wash their hands, isolate themselves when they have symptoms and for as long as advised by the healthcare workers when they have been confirmed to have the disease,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti also said medication for the management of Mpox was available in healthcare facilities throughout the country, and that although vaccines existed globally, they were not yet widely available.

“My ministry is preparing for their smooth introduction if the need arises.

We are working with the international community to ensure access to these vaccines for the protection of Batswana as needed,” he said.

He also indicated that the ongoing outbreaks across Africa had prompted significant international concern and necessitated a coordinated international response to mitigate the impact of the disease.

“The situation as it is necessitating mobilisation of resources, sharing information and best practices, and implementing emergency measures across countries to prevent further spread,” he said.

He said that the PHEIC declaration was also intended to encourage nations to strengthen their surveillance systems, enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and implement preventive measures.

Dr Dikoloti indicated that his ministry would soon roll out consultative forums with all relevant stakeholders.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread between humans through close contact. It affects people of all ages including children and its main symptoms include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pains, fatigue and chills. ENDS