CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI

HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

Pandemic preparedness and responses require a multi-disciplinary approach that requires working together to combat the impending m-pox.

Our healthcare workers are the frontline warriors in this battle, and any other health battles. It is essential that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage cases safely.

The panic, confusion, spread of falsehoods that ensued in 2020 must never be repeated. Correct information dissemination remains important in the digital world where myths fly faster than truth.

Dr Vivek Solanki, a renowned medical expert, has emphasized the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to combat m-pox, a rapidly spreading infectious disease affecting our region. Besides enhancing public safety and awareness, increasing surveillance, and training of healthcare personnel and border control staff, Dr Solanki stresses the importance of prioritising mental health support.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that frontline workers are not only at risk of infection but also face significant mental health challenges. We must learn from our experiences and ensure that our healthcare workers are equipped to handle the trauma and stress associated with managing infectious diseases. The health workers are human, they need support for mental wellness too,” Dr Solanki added.

“We trained over 3 000 healthcare workers nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are committed to supporting our healthcare workers in their fight against m-pox,” Dr Solanki said.

He emphasized that the training programmes will be designed to address the unique challenges posed by m-pox, including its infectious nature and the need for specialised care.

“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our healthcare workers are prepared to handle m-pox cases safely and effectively. The training programmes will be comprehensive, covering all aspects of case management, including infection control, patient care, and mental health support,” Dr Solanki said.

The Trauma Centre, with its comprehensive expertise, is well-equipped to offer these training programmes.

“We must learn from our experiences and ensure that our healthcare workers are equipped to handle the trauma and stress associated with managing infectious diseases.

“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our healthcare workers are prepared to handle m-pox cases safely and effectively,” he said.

“M-pox is a reality, and we must be prepared to handle it effectively. Our healthcare workers are the frontline warriors in this battle, and it’s essential that we equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage cases safely,” Dr Solanki said.

The training programmes, to be conducted at the Trauma Centre, will focus on:

● Safe handling and management of m-pox cases

● Infection control and prevention measures

● Mental health support and stress management

● Effective communication and addressing misinformation

● Building resilience and coping mechanisms for both the health staff and patient

A global m-pox outbreak began in 2022, affecting African countries and beyond. Clades Ia and Ib are spreading in Africa. Clade Ib was detected outside the continent as of August 2024. The virus’ natural reservoir is unknown, but small mammals like squirrels and monkeys are susceptible.

M-pox transmits through close contact, including skin-to-skin, mouth-to-mouth, and contaminated objects, putting people with multiple sexual partners at higher risk.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued standing recommendations to combat the m-pox outbreak. Countries were urged to develop national m-pox plans, enhance laboratory surveillance, and protect communities through risk communication.

Research and development were accelerated to generate evidence for prevention and control. International travel guidelines were established to prevent further spread.

The global community is called to ensure equitable access to counter measures through vaccines and treatments, united in the fight against m-pox.

The Trauma Centre’s m-pox training programme is set to empower healthcare workers to effectively manage cases, reduce transmission, and mitigate the outbreak’s impact on communities and the nation.

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