WHO declares mpox outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency
15 Aug 2024
SADC Tourism Alliance: Southern Africa remains low-risk for mpox
The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has confirmed that Southern Africa remains a safe tourism destination, following recent global health concerns about mpox. The Alliance highlights the region's effective response and reassures travellers of the minimal risk.
On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024.
The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has confirmed that Southern Africa remains a safe tourism destination, following recent global health concerns about mpox. The Alliance highlights the region's effective response and reassures travellers of the minimal risk.
Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa, Chairperson, SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance
On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024.
These declarations were prompted by a new strain (clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries.
Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa, chairperson of the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, states: "We take these declarations seriously and commend the proactive approach of global and regional health authorities. However, it's crucial to understand that the risk to travellers in Southern Africa remains low. Our member countries are implementing robust measures to manage and mitigate any potential virus spread."
SADC member states have addressed the situation as follows:
1. South Africa: The Department of Health has reported 24 cases of Mpox (clade IIb) as of August 2024, primarily affecting people who have had physical contact with an infectious person. The country has implemented enhanced surveillance and contact tracing protocols.
Source: Bizcommunity
