Minister Mhagama calls for vigilance against Mpox

ARUSHA: MINISTER for Health, Jenista Mhagama, has called on health experts across the country to intensify efforts in educating the public about Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, ensuring that citizens gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease.

Minister Mhagama made the statement on Wednesday during a visit to the Namanga Border Post in Longido District, Arusha Region, where she assessed the preparedness in dealing with Mpox.

“I spoke to some of the travellers, unfortunately, the majority did not know the symptoms of Mpox. Therefore, there is a need to speed up the dissemination of education to the public to raise awareness about the disease,” she said, adding, “There should be posters and brochures that provide education on the disease, explaining the symptoms, how it spreads and how to protect oneself so that every traveller entering and leaving the country has a broad understanding.”

Mpox is a rare viral infectious disease in humans caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Although the virus is not highly transmissible from person to person, it has increased in global public health significance and can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Ms Mhagama said that currently, Tanzania’s borders are safe and no cases of Mpox have been detected. However, she urged the public to continue taking precautions against the disease.

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“I urge all citizens to be vigilant. If anyone notices the symptoms of the disease in someone, they should report it to health experts, the nearest health service centre, or contact the Ministry of Health via the number 199 to ensure the country remains safe,” she said.

The Minister said it is the responsibility of every Tanzanian to take appropriate recommended preventive action to keep the country free from Mpox.

“Everyone must adhere to recommended measures, including visiting nearby health facilities when you feel any sign or symptoms of Mpox like rashes on body parts accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and tiredness.”

She also urges people to clean their hands regularly with running water and soap or use hand sanitiser. In this regard, she directed the installation of handwashing facilities in public places, households and various institutions including schools, training institutions and health facilities.

Minister Mhagama assured Tanzanians that her ministry is fully prepared by strengthening diagnostic and laboratory services at border areas to ensure the disease does not enter the country.

She also commended the steps taken by the centre in its preparedness to combat Mpox and urged them to strengthen the screening of all travellers entering and leaving the country, as well as continue providing more education on Mpox while encouraging the public to remain cautious.

During her visit, Minister Jenista Mhagama was accompanied by the Chief Medical Officer, Prof Tumaini Nagu and other experts from the Ministry of Health, along with the management and health services team of the Arusha Region.