Haut-Katanga province still has no confirmed positive cases of the monkeypox outbreak. At the last meeting held by the provincial Minister of Health, Joseph Sambi Bulanda, extended to health partners including the World Health Organization, 47 cases were reported and none were positive.
“Concerning epidemiological surveillance, the province of Haut-Katanga has 47 suspected cases spread across 15 urban and rural health zones, zero positive cases to date. We are continuing to notify cases and collect samples. The entry points are integrated into testing to control cross-border trafficking,” explains Dr. Kayla Thérèse, provincial medical inspector in Haut-Katanga.
In her statement after the meeting on Tuesday in Lubumbashi, she said that the provincial government reassures the population that treatment for suspected cases as well as for possible positive cases will be free.
Previously, the provincial government of Haut-Katanga had clearly expressed itself on the risk that this part of the south-east is running, following the proximity of certain provinces that are already affected by the monkeypox epidemic. Awareness-raising is continuing across the different health zones, according to Dr. Thérèse Kayla, provincial health inspector.
/actualité.cd
2024-09-11 08:45:53
#Mpox #DRC #suspected #cases #reported #confirmed #cases #HautKatanga
Sustained human outbreak of a new MPXV clade I lineage in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Table of Contents
Haut-Katanga Province Remains Monkeypox-Free Amidst Ongoing Epidemic
As the world battles the monkeypox outbreak, the province of Haut-Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has yet to report a single confirmed case of the disease. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering the province’s proximity to infected areas and its efforts to strengthen epidemiological surveillance.
Vigilant Surveillance and Quick Response
According to Dr. Kayla Thérèse, the provincial medical inspector in Haut-Katanga, the province has reported 47 suspected cases of monkeypox, spread across 15 urban and rural health zones. Despite this, none of the cases have been confirmed positive [[2]][[3]]. The provincial government has reassured the population that treatment for suspected cases, as well as possible positive cases, will be free.
Dr. Thérèse emphasized that the province is continuing to notify cases and collect samples, with entry points integrated into testing to control cross-border trafficking. This proactive approach has helped Haut-Katanga maintain its monkeypox-free status, even as neighboring regions grapple with the outbreak.
Geospatial Mapping Efforts
The success of Haut-Katanga’s monkeypox prevention efforts can be attributed, in part, to the geospatial mapping initiatives undertaken in the DRC. In 2020 and 2021, Mapping for Health, with funding from Gavi, targeted five priority provinces, including Haut-Katanga, to improve vaccination efforts and disease surveillance [[1]]. This paradigm shift in immunization efforts has undoubtedly contributed to the province’s ability to respond effectively to the monkeypox outbreak.
Community Mobilization and Awareness
In addition to surveillance and quick response, community mobilization and awareness play a crucial role in preventing the spread of monkeypox. The provincial government has launched initiatives to educate the public on the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of the disease, as well as the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
Conclusion
Haut-Katanga province’s remarkable achievement in remaining monkeypox-free is a testament to the power of vigilant surveillance, quick response, and community mobilization. As the global community continues to battle this outbreak, the province’s success serves as a beacon of hope and a model for effective disease prevention and control.
References
Haut-Katanga Province Remains Monkeypox-Free Amidst Ongoing Epidemic
As the world battles the monkeypox outbreak, the province of Haut-Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has yet to report a single confirmed case of the disease. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering the province’s proximity to infected areas and its efforts to strengthen epidemiological surveillance.
Vigilant Surveillance and Quick Response
According to Dr. Kayla Thérèse, the provincial medical inspector in Haut-Katanga, the province has reported 47 suspected cases of monkeypox, spread across 15 urban and rural health zones. Despite this, none of the cases have been confirmed positive [[2]][[3]]. The provincial government has reassured the population that treatment for suspected cases, as well as possible positive cases, will be free.
Dr. Thérèse emphasized that the province is continuing to notify cases and collect samples, with entry points integrated into testing to control cross-border trafficking. This proactive approach has helped Haut-Katanga maintain its monkeypox-free status, even as neighboring regions grapple with the outbreak.
Geospatial Mapping Efforts
The success of Haut-Katanga’s monkeypox prevention efforts can be attributed, in part, to the geospatial mapping initiatives undertaken in the DRC. In 2020 and 2021, Mapping for Health, with funding from Gavi, targeted five priority provinces, including Haut-Katanga, to improve vaccination efforts and disease surveillance [[1]]. This paradigm shift in immunization efforts has undoubtedly contributed to the province’s ability to respond effectively to the monkeypox outbreak.
Community Mobilization and Awareness
In addition to surveillance and quick response, community mobilization and awareness play a crucial role in preventing the spread of monkeypox. The provincial government has launched initiatives to educate the public on the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of the disease, as well as the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms arise.
Conclusion
Haut-Katanga province’s remarkable achievement in remaining monkeypox-free is a testament to the power of vigilant surveillance, quick response, and community mobilization. As the global community continues to battle this outbreak, the province’s success serves as a beacon of hope and a model for effective disease prevention and control.
References
