By Mabinty M. Kamara
As the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) declares Monkeypox dubbed (Mpox) a health emergency for the African continent, Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency has in a press statement urged the public to take preventive measures and report any suspected cases of the disease to healthcare authorities across the country.
This according to Harold Thomas, programme Manager, Health Education in the Ministry of Health will not only prevent any possible outbreak in the country, but minimize its spread in case of an outbreak.
Thomas said apart from community engagement which enhances collaboration with community leaders to raise awareness about Mpox and its prevention; the ministry has enhanced surveillance to strengthen disease surveillance systems to promptly detect and respond to suspected cases. Speaking about healthcare preparedness, he assured that health facilities have been equipped with guidelines and tools to manage potential cases effectively.
He added that they have also engaged with neighboring countries to manage any likelihood of a cross-border transmission.
Monkeypox according to health authorities is a viral zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, among others. Transmission is possible through close contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated materials. Good hygiene practices including frequent hand washing are therefore advised.
The declaration of the Disease as a health emergency for Africa on the 14th of August this year will enable the mobilization of resources across affected countries, unlocking essential funding, strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), boosting surveillance and laboratory testing efforts, and enhancing human resource capacities to respond effectively to Mpox through a One Health approach.
Africa’s CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya is quoted in the statement to have emphasized the urgency of swift and decisive action: “Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time.”
The statement noted that at least 13 African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks. “So far in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a significant increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023. This is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider the many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing and contact tracing.”
Dr Kaseya said the disease has since May 2022 and July 2023 been declared by the World Health Organisation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern but that Africa did not get the required support from the international community. He therefore emphasized the need for a change in approach: “We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our Member States.”
Sierra Leone is yet to record any case of an outbreak, according to officials.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (16/08/24)
