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The Zambian government has bolstered its disease surveillance systems across all provinces to ensure timely detection and containment of Mpox cases.
Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, informed Parliament on Thursday that surveillance teams are actively monitoring border points, healthcare facilities, and other critical areas to facilitate early identification of the disease.
In his ministerial statement, Muchima revealed that 37 samples from suspected Mpox cases in Zambia had been tested, all returning negative results.
“Madam Speaker, in order to facilitate the identification of travellers with fever, one of the early symptoms of Mpox, the government has procured and placed thermal scanners at designated points of entry,” Muchima said.
Surveillance efforts have been intensified to screen patients presenting with skin rashes to rule out Mpox.
Additionally, cross-border surveillance had been strengthened due to the regional risk of an outbreak.
“Government has identified and prepared isolation and quarantine facilities in all major cities and border points,” he added.
Muchima stated the need to manage infections effectively and control the disease’s spread if it occurred.
Isolation and Treatment Units (ITUs) across provinces are fully equipped to handle potential cases, he said.
“Stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available at all the prepared facilities for the safety of health personnel and other caregivers,” he stated.
Despite the availability of Mpox vaccines globally, Muchima noted a shortage, with priority given to countries reporting confirmed cases.
“They presently do not have any vaccines,” he said, adding that the Zambia Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (ZITAG) was monitoring the global vaccine situation for potential procurement.
Read More: Additional 50,000 Mpox vaccine arrive DR Congo bringing total to 265,000
To build capacity among health personnel, Rapid Response Teams have been trained in Mpox management, he noted.
Over 200 healthcare workers have also received training, and specific treatment protocols have been developed for Zambia.
Muchima assured that Zambia’s diagnostic capabilities at the Zambia National Public Health Institute Reference Laboratory and the University of Zambia Veterinary Laboratory were adequate.
Globally, between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, the World Health Assembly reported 99,176 confirmed Mpox cases, with 4,232 cases and 35 deaths in the African region.
Affected countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and Burundi.
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