dyton mupawaenda
Talent Gore
FOLLOWING detection of a deadly Mpox variant in several countries in the African region, Zimbabwe has enhanced its diseases surveillance systems at all entry points in a bid to effectively respond to the disease, Public Health Advisor to the President, Dr Agnes Mahomva has said.
Even though Zimbabwe is yet to record an Mpox case, the virus has been detected in more than 10 African countries namley the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Dr Mahomva said since Covid-19 times, Zimbabwe has been strengthening diseases surveillance and epidemic control in preparation for diseases outbreaks.
“One of the things we are very proud of as a nation is our very strong disease surveillance system,” she said.
“You recall that this was one of our key response strategic pillars during the national Covid-19 pandemic.
“We specifically worked tirelessly to strengthen our disease surveillance system in schools and at all ports of entry working collaboratively with all stakeholders.”
Dr Mahomva added:
“We have continued to strengthen our disease surveillance at all ports of entry and are therefore ready for any eventuality.
“In addition to strengthening our surveillance system, Our Ministry of Health and Child Care is very much on top of the situation in line with the WHO guidance and local data and science.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge