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The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has called on member states to educate the public on preventing the spread of Mpox (Monkeypox), following reports of rising cases in the region. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported over 21,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths since 2022. Uganda recently confirmed two cases in Kasese district. EAC Deputy Secretary General Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth emphasized the need for preventive measures and factual risk communication during a meeting in Rwanda.

EAC calls for heightened public awareness to combat spread of Mpox

The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has called on EAC Partner States to educate their citizens on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of Mpox (Monkeypox).

This follows reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) that several countries in the region including Uganda have reported cases of the viral Mpox disease.

Since 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo has reported over 21,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, according to WHO.

In 2023, there were 14,626 cases and 654 deaths, and by the end of May 2024, 7,851 cases and 384 deaths had been reported. Many of those infected are children under five (39%), and nearly two-thirds (62%) of the deaths are also among children. Health experts have identified a new strain of the virus in one part of the country.

DRC borders five EAC Partner States: Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan.

Uganda has registered two cases of Monkey Pox in Kasese district imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The cases confirmed on August 2nd were detected among six suspected cases at Bwera border in Kasese District.

Uganda has registered two cases of Monkey Pox in Kasese district.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, has emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures to minimise the spread of Mpox.

“EAC Partner States must provide necessary information about the disease and take preventive measures,” said Malueth during a technical meeting in Rubavu, Rwanda.

Malueth also emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures to minimise the spread of Mpox.

The meeting convened to review the successes and challenges of the EAC Water Sanitation and Hygiene project.

A recent media release from the Arusha based Secretariat states that the DSG called for factual risk communication, community engagement and enhanced surveillance among crucial steps to managing the disease.

Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, was first discovered in monkeys in 1958, with the first human case reported in 1970. The virus spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact, contaminated objects and respiratory droplets.

Symptoms include a skin rash or lesions, fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, general body weakness and swollen lymph nodes, typically lasting two to four weeks. While most cases are moderate, severe cases and deaths can occur.

How to reduce the risk of contracting Mpox:

-Avoid contact with individuals diagnosed with the virus or those who may be infected

-Wear a face mask when in close contact with symptomatic individuals

-Use personal protective equipment when caring for confirmed or suspected cases

-Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers after contact with infected persons or animals

-Regularly wash clothing and bedsheets at high temperatures

-Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption

-Avoid contact with sick animals, particularly rodents and non-human primates, and refrain from handling bush meat.

-Individuals suspecting that they may have contracted Mpox should self-isolate and seek medical advice immediately.

While a vaccine against Mpox is available, WHO recommends vaccination primarily for those at high risk of exposure. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms, such as pain management.

Regional interventions:

In anticipation of pandemics and epidemics in the region, 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 ready to be deployed in areas of disease outbreaks in the EAC.

Additionally, GIZ has also supported the EAC in strengthening 10 border areas with the DRC and other EAC partner states by providing handwashing facilities and health promotion activities to encourage protective health and hygiene (WASH) behaviours, aiming to prevent the spread of zoonotic and water-borne infectious diseases.