The urgent need for a structured and coordinated response to combat Mpox in Africa was underscored during the recent regional emergency meeting held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Chaired by Dr. Roger Samuel Kamba, Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Prevention of the DRC, experts convened to devise a unified strategy against this emerging disease.
Dr. Kamba emphasized the necessity of not confining efforts against Mpox solely to the DRC but recognizing it as a continental, even global, concern. He highlighted the President’s dedicated commitment to public health, underscoring the critical nature of this battle against Mpox.
Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, a prominent speaker, stressed the importance of enhancing wildlife surveillance to deepen comprehension of disease transmission and providing training for frontline healthcare workers. He also emphasized the significance of risk communication and involving social sciences in the fight against Mpox.
Director of the DRC National Institute of Public Health, Dr. Dieudonné Mwamba, emphasized that Mpox has emerged as a significant public health challenge in Africa, necessitating a collective response and immediate actions. He urged for increased dedication from governments and donors to effectively combat this overlooked and stigmatized disease.
Lastly, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, encouraged prompt decisions and concrete actions post the meeting. He highlighted the importance of expert recommendations in guiding anti-Mpox measures and expressed optimism for strengthened cooperation among African nations to collectively address this health threat.
The high-profile Mpox meeting in Africa served as a pivotal moment for experts and policymakers to converge towards a cohesive and efficient response to this emerging disease, showcasing the global community’s solidarity and dedication to public health in Africa.
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