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The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has urged countries around the world to refrain from imposing travel bans on nationals of African countries that have reported outbreaks of mpox and Marburg virus disease.
The Africa CDC said in a statement Tuesday evening that travel bans and movement restrictions will negatively impact public health responses across affected African countries.
The report said: “Such measures are inconsistent with international health guidelines, undermine the public health response, exacerbate economic challenges and reduce the spread of coronavirus, particularly between the Global North and South. “This risks reigniting the inequalities and mistrust that have surfaced during the pandemic.”
The African Union’s expert medical body stressed that travel restrictions are not recommended unless there is compelling evidence to justify them. Such measures have historically been proven to be counterproductive, slowing response efforts, increasing public anxiety, and disrupting global movement.
Instead, the World Health Organization and Africa CDC focus on stronger surveillance, early detection, case management, targeted vaccination, and community engagement as the most effective strategies to manage outbreaks. We recommend that you apply.
Africa CDC further works closely with all affected countries and international partners to combat the ongoing mpox and Marburg disease outbreaks through coordinated, science-driven solutions that prioritize health security and economic stability. We reaffirmed our commitment to working together.
Last week, the Africa CDC announced that since the beginning of this year, the total number of mpox infections in Africa has increased to 34,297, of which 6,806 have been confirmed and 866 have died.
Rwanda declared an outbreak of Marburg virus disease on September 27.
According to Rwanda's Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana, as of October 4, there were 36 confirmed cases and 11 deaths in the country.
MG/as/APA
