The acting health minister, Felix Mhona, has reassured the nation that Zimbabwe remains free of Mpox, urging the public to avoid spreading false information by circulating images from other countries.
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The disease is transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
In response to the rise in Mpox cases in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a public health emergency of international concern.
Sweden was the first country outside Africa to confirm a Mpox case, while neighbouring South Africa has also reported cases. This has raised concerns in Zimbabwe due to frequent travel between the two nations.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Members of Parliament (MPs) questioned the government’s preparedness to address the potential threat of Mpox. MP Nhari asked, “What plans does the government have to prevent the transmission of Mpox?”
In response, Minister Mhona said the government is closely monitoring all entry points.
“As a nation, we are concerned about pandemics that affect both our visitors and residents. The government is monitoring all our entry points, including airports and border posts. Health professionals are stationed to screen people, checking for high temperatures,” he said.
Minister Mhona noted that no Mpox cases have been recorded in Zimbabwe: “We do not have any Mpox cases in Zimbabwe. I urge the public not to tarnish the image of the country by circulating images from other nations and falsely attributing them to Zimbabwe. On the ground, there has not been a single case, but we must remain vigilant.”
MP Perseverance Zhou pressed further, questioning the country’s preparedness if the virus spreads.
“Do we have vaccines? Do we have the medicines to contain the pandemic if it arrives? We experienced this during COVID-19, and we saw the government’s preparedness. Are we ready this time?” she asked.
Minister Mhona reassured the House, stating that the government is indeed prepared.
“Zimbabwe is a country that comes together to face challenges. When we dealt with COVID-19, we demonstrated our preparedness. I believe the Ministry of Health and Child Care will respond similarly if Mpox becomes a threat. During our Cabinet meeting, we were informed that the government is prepared to combat this virus,” he said.
Regarding public awareness and school safety, Mhona noted the importance of preparing students but emphasised that the primary focus remains on screening at entry points.
“There is modern equipment at the border posts for screening. We are not resting, and we want to ensure that we prevent the transmission of this disease. Schools should have access to hotlines to inform the Ministry of Health and Child Care if necessary,” he said.
Goromonzi West MP Biatah Karimatsenga Nyamupinga inquired about national awareness campaigns to inform the public about Mpox symptoms and prevention.
“It’s crucial for people to be informed. Information dissemination is key, and healthcare providers like clinics and hospitals must have access to accurate information to share with the public. I will ensure these messages reach the Minister of Health and Child Care so that educational efforts continue,” he said.
Some of these Ministers need intensive tutorials on how to respond to speculations …