African health officials call for solidarity not travel bans over mpox outbreak
Briefly

Africa CDC's head Jean Kaseya emphasized the need for international support rather than travel bans, stating that travel restrictions mirror the unfair treatment received during the Covid pandemic. Kaseya urged nations to focus on solidarity and assistance, especially in providing affordable vaccines, highlighting that these measures would significantly aid in managing the outbreak rather than hinder the progress. He reminded officials that implementing travel bans would only regress global health cooperation and further isolate African nations during emergencies.
Kaseya noted that vaccines are urgently needed, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the outbreak originated. He called for enhanced collaboration among nations and health organizations, insisting that only through a robust community-level testing network could the crisis be adequately managed. He stated, 'We must ensure that no cases are missed.' The urgency of establishing this testing network highlights the critical role of timely intervention in preventing wider spread across regions.
According to DRC's health minister Roger Kamba, the country has faced a staggering 16,700 cases and 570 deaths this year from mpox. He acknowledged the grave situation while working alongside Africa CDC to amplify healthcare measures. The minister's statements underscore the pressing need for resources and vaccinations to effectively combat the outbreak. The toll reflects the critical nature of timely interventions and educative measures to prevent misinformation surrounding the disease's transmission.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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