Monkeypox Declared a Global Health Emergency: A Call to Action for Morocco
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a global health emergency following its outbreak in over 12 African countries. This declaration, the morocco-approaches-final-solution-western-sahara-conflict/” title=”Morocco Edges Closer to Final Resolution in Western Sahara Conflict”>highest level of alert the WHO can issue, comes amidst a concerning rise in cases among both children and adults, coupled with the emergence of a new, more transmissible strain of the virus.
This situation is particularly alarming given the limited availability of vaccines in Africa, a factor that could severely hinder efforts to contain the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other Central African nations in the coming weeks.
“This is something that should concern us all, the potential for it to be spread further outside of Africa and elsewhere is clearly there,” warned WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Professor Tayeb Hamdi, a researcher in health policies and systems, emphasized the gravity of the situation in an interview with Belpresse. He stressed that the declaration of a global emergency signifies a threat to all nations, both within Africa and globally. This necessitates immediate proactive measures, rather than a reactive approach that waits for the virus to arrive on their doorsteps.
Professor Hamdi believes Morocco is particularly vulnerable due to its frequent air travel and ongoing exchanges with African countries. He cautioned that the virus “can reach here because it spreads quickly and in easy ways, different from what the world knew in 2022 and before.”
Adding to the concern is the emergence of a new strain that appears to mutate and spread more rapidly than previous strains. While often associated with sexual contact, the virus can also be transmitted through close contact, particularly affecting children and within family settings.
The current monkeypox outbreak presents a significant mortality risk. Professor Hamdi highlighted the alarming statistic that 3% of monkeypox cases result in death, with the rate rising to 5% among adults and a concerning 10% among children.
In light of these developments, Professor Hamdi urges Morocco to take immediate national action. This includes raising awareness among citizens and healthcare professionals, implementing robust health surveillance measures, and establishing border control procedures. He also calls upon the Moroccan government to actively contribute to efforts aimed at containing the disease within affected regions in Africa, emphasizing that “Morocco is concerned with this like all countries.”
Global collaboration is crucial in ensuring the availability of vaccines, medication, and diagnostic tools. Professor Hamdi stresses the need to equip African countries with the resources necessary for early detection, diagnosis, treatment, quarantine, and vaccination, utilizing at least the resources currently available. He points to the effectiveness of vaccines in curbing the 2022 monkeypox outbreak in Europe and America, advocating for their widespread use in Africa as well.
The declaration of a global health emergency serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health. It underscores the need for proactive measures, international collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources, particularly for vulnerable populations.
