October 8, 2024 – In light of the continuing outbreaks of Mpox and Marburg viruses, the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) issues travel bans and movement restrictions to all African countries. We asked them to refrain from implementing this. Such measures are inconsistent with international health guidelines, weaken the public health response, exacerbate economic challenges, and threaten to disrupt the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly between the Global North and South. There is a risk of reigniting the inequalities and mistrust that have surfaced in the past.
The International Health Regulations (2005) do not recommend travel restrictions unless there is compelling evidence to justify them. Historically, these measures have proven counterproductive, slowing response efforts, fostering public anxiety, and disrupting global mobility. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC recommend a focus on increased surveillance, early detection, case management, targeted vaccination, and community engagement as the most effective strategies to manage outbreaks. is recommended.
Africa CDC commends the leadership of African countries currently managing Mpox virus and Marburg virus outbreaks for their swift action, transparency, and dedication to public health. These countries are taking decisive action and need support to strengthen surveillance systems, strengthen case management protocols, and scale up contact tracing efforts. Africa CDC works with global and regional partners to deploy support and expert teams to the most affected areas and ensure timely access to medical countermeasures (MCMs) such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. We have secured it.
Africa CDC reminds global partners of the urgent need to support Africa in its pursuit of self-reliance in MCM manufacturing. Despite the lessons learned from COVID-19, it is unacceptable that Africa continues to rely on external donations for critical health resources. The African Union (AU) has already taken decisive steps to address this issue, mandating the Africa CDC to expand coverage from vaccines to all MCMs and providing affordable and high-quality vaccines across the continent. Requires the establishment of an African joint procurement mechanism to ensure equitable access to quality medical products. .
Rather than relying on travel restriction measures, Africa CDC urges all countries to adopt the following evidence-based approaches to address these outbreaks:
Promote accurate, up-to-date public health information (https://x.com/RDBrwanda; https://x.com/rbcrwanda?lang=en; https://x.com/africacdc) that travelers understand. How to protect yourself. Strengthen transparency, cross-border surveillance and information sharing to facilitate timely case detection and response. Foster regional and global cooperation to mobilize essential resources such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines in an equitable manner.
Africa CDC says it will work closely with all affected countries and international partners to combat Mpox and Marburg disease outbreaks through coordinated, science-driven solutions that prioritize health security and economic stability. Reaffirm your commitment.
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