Thursday August 15, 2024
This 1997 image provided by the CDC during an investigation into an outbreak of monkeypox, which took place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, depicts the hands of an mpox patient, displaying a characteristic rash during the virus’s recuperative stage. AP
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia is stepping up its preventive measures against the mpox outbreak after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation in Africa a global health emergency. The outbreak, which has hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the hardest, has now spread to 13 African countries, raising fears of further international transmission.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared a public health emergency earlier this week, emphasizing the urgent need for international aid. In the DRC alone, over 14,000 cases have been reported, with 524 deaths—70% of the cases and 85% of the deaths involving children under 15. The situation in Congo is particularly dire, with the country’s health system overwhelmed by multiple health crises, including malnutrition, measles, and cholera.
Somalia has not yet reported any mpox cases, but the government is taking no chances. Sahra Isse Mohamed, head of infectious disease monitoring and response in Somalia, stated that public awareness campaigns have been launched in partnership with regional health ministries. These efforts aim to educate the public about mpox symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical care if symptoms appear. Additionally, healthcare workers across Somalia have been trained to recognize and manage mpox cases.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has recently seen the emergence of a new strain in the DRC, with a death rate of 3-4%. This strain spreads more quickly and presents milder symptoms, making it more difficult to detect and increasing the risk of transmission. Despite efforts in other parts of the world, Africa remains critically short of vaccines, with the DRC still waiting for the 4 million doses it requested. The spread of mpox in refugee camps in eastern Congo further complicates containment efforts.
Global health experts, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have expressed concerns about the potential for mpox to spread beyond Africa if swift international action is not taken. The WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur a coordinated global response, including enhanced surveillance, testing, and vaccine distribution to high-risk populations.
As Somalia stays on high alert, the government’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the country against this emerging threat. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend largely on the global community’s response to the crisis in Africa, where the need for support is immediate and critical.
The World Health Organization's emergency committee for mpox met to discuss an upsurge of the virus on Aug. 14 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Supplied by WHO/Lindsay Mackenzie)