By Ziyah News Health Reporter
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called on the government to enhance its preparedness and response mechanisms to combat the Monkeypox virus, this against the backdrop of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
While no cases have been reported in Zimbabwe to date, ZADHR notes that the country’s strengthened emergency response systems, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, can be leveraged to tackle Monkeypox.
“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Zimbabwe has significantly strengthened its emergency preparedness and response mechanisms. We believe lessons learnt in responding to COVID-19 can go a long way in enhancing the preparedness and response to Mpox.”
The organisation also urged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to boost surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, and care facilities, as well as raise awareness about the disease.
“ZADHR urges the government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care to enhance Mpox surveillance, diagnostics, treatment and care facilities and awareness of the disease. ZADHR encourages citizens to take precautions related to the monkeypox virus based on the most current advice from the Ministry of Health and Child Care and from public health officials.”
The association has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and providing recommendations to ensure no lives are lost due to the virus in Zimbabwe.