Zimbabwe Government Implements Measures to Combat Potential Mpox Outbreak

Zimbabwe Government Implements Measures to Combat Potential Mpox Outbreak

The Zimbabwean government is stepping up its efforts to prepare for any potential cases of Mpox, a viral zoonotic infection, by equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

These efforts also extend to health communicators, who are being trained to effectively educate communities about the infection and combat misinformation.

Also Read:Lockdowns Loading?: Panic Erupts as WHO Declares Mpox a Deadly New Threat

Preparedness in Manicaland Amid Suspected Cases

Although Zimbabwe has not reported any confirmed cases of Mpox, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has been vigilant, particularly in Manicaland, where there have been reports of suspected cases.

This region is of particular concern due to the daily arrival of refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other neighboring countries.

The Ministry confirmed that all suspected cases tested at the National Reference Lab have returned negative results.

“We need to capacitate the frontline workers on safety protocols because these are the people who will have close contact with the community,” said Jose Phiri, a public health officer with the Ministry of Health, during an infodemic management workshop.

Also Read: Zimbabwe Government Targets Borders To Combat MPox Public Health Emergency

Government’s Strategic Response

The government has already initiated strategies to manage the potential spread of Mpox.

The Ministry of Health has initiated a series of measures aimed at capacitating frontline healthcare workers with the necessary skills to handle suspected Mpox cases.

“Fortunately, the Ministry of Health has already started capacitating healthcare workers in terms of how to handle people suspected of having Mpox who might present at health facilities,” Phiri added.

To bolster its readiness, the Ministry has activated its response pillars, which include surveillance at ports of entry, case management, infection prevention and control, logistics, as well as risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). These measures ensure that Zimbabwe is prepared to test and respond

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