Zimbabwe’s Vigilance Keeps Mpox Under Control Amid Regional Struggles

Mary Chikwanda in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s robust public health measures have ensured that the country remains a beacon of resilience in the fight against mpox, even as neighboring nations grapple with rising cases.

Entering the control phase after weeks of proactive interventions, Zimbabwe is now setting an example in the region for effectively curbing the spread of the disease.

Mpox, a zoonotic disease with rising global incidence, has challenged many African countries with its rapid transmission and the need for strong surveillance systems.

As of December 1, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 14,849 confirmed cases and 57 deaths in the African region alone. While nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi continue to struggle, Zimbabwe has demonstrated the effectiveness of early detection and containment strategies.

A Tale of Two Cases
Zimbabwe’s mpox response was catalyzed by its first two cases, reported in October 2024. The first involved an 11-year-old boy in Harare with a history of travel to South Africa.

The second case was a 24-year-old male returning from Tanzania. Both cases were quickly isolated, and contact tracing efforts were initiated. Health officials confirmed that both patients were no longer infectious, and their close contacts had been successfully monitored.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. John Mangwiro, explained Zimbabwe’s approach to containment.

“The rapid isolation of confirmed cases and rigorous contact tracing have been instrumental. Our health teams are vigilant, and we’ve invested in training and equipping them to handle emerging outbreaks effectively,” he said.

Regional Comparisons
The situation in neighboring countries paints a starkly different picture. The DRC, which has recorded 11,155 cases, accounts for over 75% of mpox cases in the region.

Limited diagnostic capacity and logistical challenges in sample collection have hampered containment efforts. Similarly, Burundi has reported over 2,334 cases, with community transmission surging among vulnerable populations.

Zimbabwe’s success in avoiding large outbreaks underscores the importance of readiness.

Health officials credit a combination of heightened border surveillance, early risk communication, and community engagement for the favorable outcomes.

WHO Praises Zimbabwe’s Efforts
The WHO African Regional Office has commended Zimbabwe’s progress.

“Zimbabwe’s swift and coordinated response is an example of best practices in outbreak control. By prioritizing surveillance and community education, the country has successfully entered the control phase,” said Dr. Fiona Braka, a WHO representative.

Zimbabwe’s response is bolstered by its collaboration with regional partners, including South Africa’s National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, which helped sequence mpox samples to confirm the clade Ib strain circulating in the country.

Challenges and the Path Ahead
While Zimbabwe has achieved significant progress, health experts warn against complacency.

Dr. Masimba Dube, a public health specialist, noted that “continued vigilance is crucial to prevent future outbreaks. Strengthening laboratory capacity and increasing vaccine coverage, especially among high-risk groups, will be key moving forward.”

Vaccine access remains a pressing issue across the continent. WHO has facilitated the deployment of vaccines in several countries, but Zimbabwe has yet to receive large-scale vaccine shipments.

Despite these challenges, the country’s proactive measures, including targeted education campaigns, are ensuring that communities remain informed and prepared.

A Model for Resilience
As nations across Africa battle mpox, Zimbabwe’s success story offers hope and lessons in effective disease management.

By investing in robust surveillance systems and fostering community trust, the country has demonstrated that even in the face of regional health crises, proactive measures can save lives and safeguard public health.

The journey ahead demands sustained effort, but Zimbabwe’s health officials remain optimistic.

“Our fight against mpox is not over, but we are ready to face future challenges. Together, we will continue to protect our communities and ensure their health and safety,” concluded Dr. Mangwiro.