Mpox outbreak: A new test for Botswana’s strained coffers

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Tuesday August 27, 2024 10:03

The tentative budget, which was revealed to Mmegi this week by highly placed sources, comes at a time when the country’s budget is under pressure from lower diamond sales. The state of the economy is threatening to worsen the projected P8.7 billion deficit for the 2024-25 financial year. Addressing the media this week, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti said these declarations also mean that there should be vigilance and a high level of caution when people travel to affected countries. 'Better still, unnecessary travel is discouraged, until the situation stabilises,' he emphasized, adding that the government of Botswana is prepared to test screen and test for Mpox as needed.

He highlighted that the laboratory network has been strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct genomic sequencing to add to the global knowledge of the disease. The Minister also revealed that they have put measures in place to strengthen surveillance of the Mpox virus. Dikoloti revealed the screening will be done at Maun and Gaborone airports as well as Kazungula, Tlokweng, Martin’s Drift, Pioneer Gate and Mamuno ports of entry. According to the Minister, the ongoing outbreak across Africa has prompted significant international concern leading to the declarations by the WHO and Africa CDC. “These declarations signify an extraordinary event that poses a substantial risk to continental and global public health,' he said.

'They can only be made when an outbreak is deemed serious, sudden, unusual, or unexpected, and has implications for continental and international health, beyond the borders of the affected country.” Moreover, he said the public health emergency of continental security (PHECS) status necessitates a coordinated international response to mitigate the impact of the disease. He said it involves mobilising resources, sharing information and best practices, and implementing emergency measures across countries to prevent further spread. Dikoloti said the PHEIC declaration is also intended to prompt urgent, evidence-based actions from countries across the world. He also encouraged nations to strengthen their surveillance systems, enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities, and implement preventive measures.

He emphasised that the Mpox virus affects people of all ages including children, adding that its main symptoms are rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle pains, fatigue and chills. Dikoloti also encouraged the public to be vigilant of these symptoms as they need to be a heightened level of suspicion when not feeling well. He said if one suspects they may have the infection they need to alert their local health authorities and help contain the spread of the disease by minimising contact and unnecessary travel. He said general infection control that worked during the COVID-19 pandemic is effective in stopping the spread of Mpox. Additionally, the Minister encouraged to regularly wash their hands, and isolate themselves when they have symptoms and for as long as advised by the healthcare workers when they have been confirmed to have the disease.