In response to the recent outbreak of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) reported in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has issued a call to action for its Partner States. This directive emphasizes the need for public education on preventive measures to combat the spread of this viral disease, underscoring the EAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health across the region.
Current Situation and Impact
The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged Burundi and the DRC as key areas of concern due to the resurgence of Mpox cases. Burundi has reported three confirmed cases of Mpox in Bujumbura and Isare. These cases have been validated by both national laboratories and WHO. The Burundian health ministry has reassured the public that appropriate measures are in place to manage the disease, with the affected individuals currently receiving treatment and showing signs of improvement.
In contrast, the DRC faces a much more severe situation. Since 2022, the country has recorded over 21,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths due to Mpox. The epidemic has intensified in 2023 with 14,626 cases and 654 deaths, and by the end of May 2024, the country reported 7,851 cases and 384 deaths. The majority of those affected are children under five, who represent 39% of the cases, and nearly two-thirds of the deaths have occurred in this age group. Additionally, a new strain of the virus has been identified in some regions of the DRC.
Burundi shares borders with several EAC Partner States, including Rwanda and Tanzania, while the DRC borders five: Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan. This geographical proximity raises concerns about the potential for cross-border spread and highlights the urgency of regional coordination in response to the outbreak.
EAC’s Response and Recommendations
The EAC Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, has stressed the importance of preventive measures and public education in controlling the spread of Mpox. Malueth emphasized that EAC Partner States must enhance their communication strategies, engage communities effectively, and strengthen surveillance systems to manage the disease outbreak.
“The EAC Partner States must provide necessary information about the disease and take preventive measures,” Malueth stated. She further underscored the importance of factual risk communication and community engagement as critical steps in managing the Mpox situation.
Understanding Mpox
Mpox is a viral disease that was first identified in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970. The virus is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread between people through close contact, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets.
Symptoms of Mpox include a skin rash or lesions, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness typically lasts two to four weeks. While most cases are moderate, severe cases can occur, and fatalities have been recorded, particularly among young children.
Public Health Measures and Recommendations
To mitigate the risk of Mpox transmission, the EAC has outlined several preventive measures for the public:
Avoid Contact: Individuals should avoid close contact with those diagnosed with Mpox or suspected to be infected.
Protective Equipment: Wearing face masks when in close proximity to symptomatic individuals and using personal protective equipment when caring for confirmed or suspected cases is recommended.
Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers after contact with infected individuals or animals is advised. Additionally, clothing and bed linens should be washed at high temperatures, and meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Avoid Contact with Animals: The public is urged to avoid handling sick animals, especially rodents and non-human primates, and to refrain from handling bush meat.
Self-Isolation and Medical Advice: Individuals who suspect they may have contracted Mpox should self-isolate and seek medical advice promptly. Although a vaccine is available, WHO recommends it primarily for those at high risk of exposure.
Regional and International Support
In anticipation of pandemics and epidemics, the EAC, with support from the German Government through its development arm GIZ and the Africa CDC, has established a pool of rapidly deployable experts. These experts are ready to be deployed to areas experiencing disease outbreaks within the EAC region.
Additionally, GIZ has supported the EAC in enhancing health infrastructure at border areas with the DRC and other Partner States. This support includes the provision of handwashing facilities and health promotion activities aimed at encouraging protective health and hygiene behaviors. The WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project has reached 700,000 individuals, building on the success of a previous phase that reached about 5 million people.
The EAC’s proactive stance on addressing the Mpox outbreak reflects a commitment to regional health security and the protection of public health. By enhancing public awareness, implementing preventive measures, and leveraging international support, the EAC aims to control the spread of Mpox and mitigate its impact on affected communities. Continued vigilance, effective communication, and regional collaboration will be crucial in managing this health crisis and safeguarding the well-being of populations across East Africa.
