The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged countries across the globe to refrain from imposing travel bans against citizens from African countries that reported outbreaks of mpox and Marburg virus disease.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Africa CDC said travel bans or movement restrictions would have negative consequences on public health responses across the affected African countries.
“Such measures are inconsistent with international health guidelines and risk undermining public health responses, deepening economic challenges, and reigniting the inequities and mistrust that surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly between the Global North and the Global South,” it said.
The African Union’s specialized healthcare agency stressed that travel restrictions are discouraged unless there is compelling evidence to justify them, as such measures have historically proven counterproductive, delaying response efforts, fostering public anxiety, and disrupting global mobility.
Instead, the World Health Organisation and the Africa CDC recommend focusing on stronger surveillance, early detection, case management, targeted vaccination, and community engagement as the most effective strategies to manage outbreaks.
The Africa CDC further reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all affected countries and international partners to combat the ongoing mpox and Marburg outbreaks through coordinated and science-driven solutions that prioritise health security and economic stability.
Last week, the Africa CDC disclosed that the total number of mpox cases in Africa has risen to 34,297, including 6,806 confirmed cases and 866 deaths since the start of this year.
Rwanda declared a Marburg virus disease outbreak on Sept. 27.
As of October 4, the country had registered 36 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, according to Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana.
MG/as/APA