Spotlight on Lesotho’s preparedness for Mpox

LINEO MABEKEBEKE

MASERU – Lesotho is currently navigating a challenging situation as the country finds itself at a “moderate” status in its preparedness for Monkeypox (Mpox), following a surge in cases in neighbouring South Africa.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other key ministries, has conducted a comprehensive assessment of the country’s readiness to handle potential Monkeypox outbreaks. The assessment aims to identify gaps and strengthen the country’s response mechanisms.

During a recent address to Members of Parliament, the Minister of Health, Selibe Mochoboroane, revealed that Lesotho is currently only 46 percent prepared for Monkeypox, compared to the broader African region’s readiness level of 52 percent.

This disparity has raised concerns, prompting the government to ramp up its efforts to close the gap and better protect the population. “We are making progress, but there is still much work to be done,” Mochoboroane said.

“Our focus is on strengthening our healthcare system, particularly in terms of training healthcare providers and co-ordinating our responses with the support of our partners.”

As part of these efforts, approximately 200 healthcare providers across Lesotho have already undergone specialised training on Monkeypox. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and manage suspected cases in a timely manner.

The Ministry of Health has also been working closely with district health facilities and entry points at the borders to ensure a co-ordinated response should any cases be detected within the country.

Mochoboroane further highlighted the importance of collaboration with Lesotho’s regional partners, especially South Africa, given the cross-border nature of the virus.

“We have alerted our partners in South Africa to our current situation, and we are planning joint meetings to develop strategies for safeguarding the populations of both countries.”

In addition to strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, the government has embarked on a public awareness campaign aimed at educating the general population about Monkeypox and the protective measures they can take.

Citizens are being urged to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with individuals who exhibit symptoms of the virus. Globally, the Monkeypox virus has become a pressing concern.

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Monkeypox outbreak, also known as Mpox, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

This declaration came in response to the growing number of cases across Africa, with South Africa alone reporting 24 confirmed Mpox cases and three deaths as of August 2024. Most of these cases, 22 out of 24, were recorded between May 8 and July 6, 2024, underscoring the rapid spread of the virus in the region.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed grave concern over the escalating situation, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where the virus has had a devastating impact.

Dr. Tedros has urged countries to strengthen their surveillance systems, share data, and intensify efforts to better understand the transmission of the virus.

“The upsurge of Mpox cases across Africa, particularly in the DRC, poses a significant threat to public health. We must act swiftly to contain the virus and prevent further spread,” he said, following the advice of an emergency committee of independent experts.

This declaration from the WHO has spurred global efforts to combat the outbreak. The organisation is currently working with vaccine manufacturers and international partners to facilitate equitable access to vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, and other essential tools.

The interim medical countermeasures network, established to co-ordinate these efforts, is focused on ensuring that countries most affected by the outbreak receive the support they need.

Africa CDC Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, echoed the urgency of the situation and called for a unified response. “We must mobilise our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act swiftly and decisively,” Kaseya said.

“This is not just a health issue; it is a matter of protecting lives and preventing further devastation. While there is no need for travel restrictions at this time, we must remain vigilant and prepared.”

The Monkeypox virus, which is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person, has been reported in at least 12 African countries in 2024, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

To date, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, with the DRC bearing the brunt of the outbreak. Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a sharp increase from previous years.

M-pox is caused by the monkeypox virus, which can spread between people through close contact, including skin-to-skin contact, touching contaminated surfaces, or through respiratory droplets in close proximity. In areas where the virus is present among wild animals, it is also suspected to spread from animals to humans.

As Lesotho braces itself for a potential Monkeypox outbreak, the government, in partnership with international organisations, remains committed to taking all necessary precautions to protect its citizens. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to stay informed and adhere to recommended guidelines to minimise the risk of infection.