The Mozambican government is contacting international partners to gain access to vaccines against monkeypox (Mpox), even though there are no positive cases yet.

According to the National Institute of Health (INS), despite having no positive cases, the country has been anticipating the search for vaccines around the world, in order to respond to the outbreak if necessary.

"Through its regional and global partners, Mozambique has been taking steps to ensure that it has the stockpile, when it becomes available, to be able to apply in the event of a coronavirus being declared in the country. At the moment, the country is still free of the disease, so it is eligible, but we are cautious," said Eduardo Samo Gudo, director-general of the National Health Institute, quoted in the newspaper "The Country" during a meeting of CDC Africa's Technical Advisory Board in Maputo.

In the same publication, the INS assured that border surveillance is currently being stepped up to prevent the importation of cases. "What we are doing is reinforcing border security, with a focus on those countries that have confirmed cases. The World Health Organization does not recommend restricting travel to any country, and we are complying with that recommendation," added Samo Gudo.

The spread of monkeypox has been very rapid across the African continent, with neighboring South Africa having confirmed cases.

However, on the same occasion, the African Center for Disease Control (CDC Africa) warned that there is still a lack of vaccines in the world to combat Mpox. "Capacities are very limited, especially in terms of diagnosis. And as you know, Nigeria alone in Africa has received 10,000 doses of vaccine, and we are working with international partners to receive more vaccines for the continent. There is no treatment for Mpox for the time being, but we are also working to accelerate clinical training to obtain a safe dose," explained Benjamin Djoud.

(Photo DR)