22 Aug 2024

Tanzania Ministry of Health update on Mpox

Dodoma, 19^th August, 2024.

On August 17th, 2024, the Ministry of Health updated the public on the threat of Mpox outbreak following the global upsurge of cases, including in some East African countries. Due to this threat the public was advised to take recommended precautions to protect themselves and prevent the disease from entering the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, Mpox continues to spread in different countries worldwide. For the period of January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, there were a total of 99,176 confirmed cases and 208 deaths in 116 countries. Amount total case North and South America contributes 62,904 (63.2%), Europe with 27,529 cases (27.8%) and Africa has reported 4,232 cases, which is 4.3% of the global total.

I would like to inform you that, until now, no patient has been proven to have Mpox infection in the country. The Ministry of Health continues to take the following measures to prevent Mpox from entering the country:

Strengthen port health services through screening of all travelers entering the country through ports, land borders and airports, to identify travelers with signs and symptoms of Mpox and take appropriate action.
To strengthen surveillance in the community for early and timely identification of any person with signs or symptoms of Mpox in order to manage suspect and prevent the spread of infection in community.
Enhanced the preparedness and readiness in health care facilities by ensuring the availability of diagnostic services, health commodities, protective equipment and treatment to provide services in case Mpox outbreak occurs the country.

To provide health education through multi channels communication approach including TV, radio, social media platforms, CHW and other community influentials, and printable materials to raise community knowledge and awareness and allow them to take appropriate and informed decision

It is the responsibility of every Tanzanian to take appropriate recommended preventive action to keep our country free from Mpox. Thus, I ask every one of us to adhere to the following recommended measures:

Visit nearby health facilities when you feel any sign or symptoms of Mpox like, rashes on body parts accompanied by swelling of the lymphnodes, fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and tiredness.
Report a person with signs or symptoms of Mpox through toll-free number 199.
Avoid skin-to-skin contact through shaking hands, hugging, or touching body fluids of a Mpox patient.
Clean your hands regularly with running water and soap or use hand sanitizer. In this regard, I direct the installation of hand washing facilities to public places, households and various institutions including schools, Training institutions and health facilities
Avoid touching or sharing of bedding, clothes and utensils used by a person with Mpox
clean utensils used by a person with Mpox symptoms as well as all frequently touched areas using soap or chlorine (eg Jik).
Avoid eating carcasses or touching body fluids of animals that may be infected.
Wear a mask for protection when you have signs and symptoms of coughing and sneezing.

I would like to reassure you that Tanzania is free from Mpox. Therefore, I call upon all citizens to adhere on preventive measures to ensure that our country remains safe.

Jenista J. Mhagama (MP)

Minister for Health