In response to the WHO global alert, Morocco is stepping up its efforts to contain monkeypox by updating its national response plan.
The Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the epidemiological situation of monkeypox, which is spreading rapidly and extensively in several African countries, as part of the international epidemiological surveillance system.
Morocco’s surveillance and response plan for this epidemic has been updated in line with developments in the international epidemiological situation and changes in knowledge about this disease, as well as recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), the ministry said in a statement.
It added that a proactive national plan, developed and activated since June 2022, had detected 5 cases by March 2024, most of which were imported and did not lead to infection in contacts.
These cases, which were moderate, recovered completely without complications, it added.
The Moroccan health authorities also reassured citizens of the level of vigilance and preparedness in the country, noting that they will continue to communicate and inform on the evolution of the situation.
According to the press statement, the WHO Director-General warned on Wednesday, in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR-2005), that Mpox has become a public health emergency of international concern and that the rapid spread of this epidemic since last year, as well as the high case fatality rate
recorded in one of the African countries, requires global efforts and cooperation to contain its spread.
It added that WHO has classified the disease as a public health emergency of international concern between July 2022 and May 2023, while cases continue to be reported in all regions of the world.
MN/ac/lb/GIK/APA