Ministry of Health strengthens surveillance and response plan against Mpox

Hibapress

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological situation of monkeypox (Mpox), which is spreading on a large scale and rapidly in several African countries, within the framework of the international epidemiological monitoring system.

The national plan for surveillance and response to this epidemic has been updated based on the evolution of the international epidemiological situation and the evolution of the level of knowledge on this disease, as well as the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the department indicated in a press release.

He added that a proactive national plan, developed and activated since June 2022, has made it possible to detect 5 cases until March 2024, most of which were imported and did not result in infection among those in contact.

These cases, which were moderate, have fully recovered without any complications, it was added.

The ministry also reassured citizens about the level of vigilance and preparedness in the country, noting that it will continue to communicate and inform about the development of the situation.

According to the statement, the WHO Director-General, in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), warned on Wednesday that Mpox disease has become a public health emergency of international concern and that the rapid spread of this epidemic since last year, as well as the high case fatality rate recorded in one of the African countries, require global effort and cooperation to limit its spread.

He added that WHO had classified the disease as a public health emergency of international concern between July 2022 and May 2023, while continuing to report cases in all regions across the world.