Lesotho on Mpox high alert

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has, after its assessment, pronounced Lesotho’s preparedness for the threat of the emerging Mpox outbreak to be 46 percent, slightly below the African regional average of 52 percent.

This was disclosed by the minister of health, Selibe Mochoboroane, in the National Assembly on Tuesday this week.

He revealed that Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mochoboroane said an emergency policy to address the pandemic will be implemented, further highlighting ongoing efforts to assess the country’s preparedness.

He indicated that his ministry is collaborating with other ministries to evaluate local expertise and readiness to handle Mpox if it spreads to Lesotho.

He added that guidelines for managing the Mpox pandemic have been distributed to health facilities and border gates in all the districts.

“Approximately 200 health experts have been trained to recognise and manage Mpox cases effectively.

“This training aims to enhance early detection and response capabilities,” Mochoboroane said.

He advised people travelling to countries with reported Mpox cases to exercise caution and adhere to health recommendations provided by local health authorities.

The ministry will continue discussions with its South African counterparts to explore prevention strategies and collaborative measures to protect the neighbouring countries, he added.

Mochoboroane also told the National Assembly that Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, had announced the PHEIC following advice from his committee on disease management.

This decision, made on August 12, 2024, reflects the escalating number of Mpox cases globally and is in accordance with international health regulations.

“The ministry of health is awaiting further recommendations from WHO and will report on the virus’ impact if Mpox cases emerge in Lesotho,” he pointed out.

South Africa has reported 24 Mpox cases, with three fatalities; Gauteng Province (12 cases, one death; Kwazulu-Natal Province: 12 cases, one death; and Western Cape: one case, and no deaths.

According to WHO, Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

Anyone can get Mpox.

It spreads from contact with infected persons, through touching, kissing, or sex; animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them; materials such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles. Pregnant women may pass the virus on to their unborn babies, WHO notes.