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.
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.
Of all the suspected cases tested at the National Reference Lab, every result has come back negative.
Meanwhile, the government has already initiated strategies to manage the potential spread of Mpox.
Ministry of Health public health officer Jose Phiri revealed that the government has initiated measures to equip frontline healthcare workers with the necessary skills to handle suspected Mpox cases, The Herald reports.
“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.
