By Katlego Mokwena
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Zimbabwe, has equipped health care workers (HCWs) and community health workers (CHWs) in Beitbridge with knowledge and preparedness to combat Mpox in the border town.
With funding from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, a total of 38 personnel have been sensitized in Masvingo, Beitbridge and Bulawayo.
The initiative is aimed at saving lives and protecting people on the move through educating and empowering HCWs and CHWs who in turn will use the knowledge gained to address misconceptions, provide accurate information and promote preventive measures.
The Media and Communications Specialist for IOM Zimbabwe, Fadzayi Nyamande-Pangeti said, the workshop emphasised the importance of prevention, detection and response to Mpox since Beitbridge is a border town, with a high degree of cross-border movement, increasing the risk of disease spread.
“Beitbridge has faced numerous public health emergencies over the years. The recent emergence of Mpox in South Africa has raised concerns among residents and health authorities alike. In response, a sensitization workshop was organized to educate and empower the HCWs and CHWs. The CHWs will in turn use the knowledge gained to address misconceptions, provide accurate information, and promote preventive measures”, said Nyamande-Pangeti.
The sensitization was done collaboratively with the district health officials so to ensure the messaging was tailored to the local context.
IOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care will continue to strengthen surveillance activities at ports of entry and along major migration routes.
The public is urged to stay informed through official communication from the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF and other reliable sources.