Health officials in Botswana have initiated enhanced health surveillance measures at the country’s entry points in response to the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency.
The move comes as neighbouring South Africa has so far reported three fatalities linked to the rapidly spreading disease, prompting Botswana to take proactive steps to protect its population.
“Although we have not recorded any case of Mpox in Botswana, I want to take this opportunity to assure Botswana that we have significantly enhanced our broader surveillance systems,” Botswana’s Health Minister Edwin Dikoloti told journalists in Gaborone on Tuesday.
He added: “We are intensifying our surveillance at key entry points – borders and airports – focusing on high-risk areas.”
The long border shared with South Africa poses a significant risk, especially given that the latter had reported three Mpox deaths by August 5.
Since the beginning of the year, Mpox has claimed more than 500 lives across Africa, raising alarms about the need for immediate intervention.
Under the heightened surveillance system, travellers are now required to complete self-assessment forms at border checkpoints.
In addition to surveillance measures, Dikoloti announced that Botswana was in discussions with international partners to secure vaccines against Mpox.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation last week declared Mpox as a public health emergency of continental and global concern, respectively.
Mpox, previously referred to as monkeypox, is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms and skin blisters across the body.
The virus is mostly spread through direct contact with infected lesions or bodily fluids, or through contaminated materials like bedding. This means it is not as contagious as respiratory diseases such as COVID.
JN/APA