Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has announced the reinforcement of surveillance measures across all health units nationwide in response to an escalating measles outbreak and the looming threat of mpox. Speaking during the inauguration of a water supply system in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, President Nyusi underscored the gravity of the measles outbreak, which has gripped the northern region of the country since July.
The measles outbreak has disproportionately affected Cabo Delgado, with 170 confirmed cases, while eight cases have been reported in the neighbouring province of Niassa. Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in 18 fatalities, with 17 deaths occurring in Cabo Delgado. Notably, all recorded deaths transpired outside health facilities, a fact that President Nyusi highlighted to stress the urgent need for enhanced public awareness concerning the importance of vaccination and timely medical intervention.
In his address, which was broadcast on state radio and television, President Nyusi emphasised the preventable nature of measles through vaccination, urging parents and guardians to prioritise immunising their children. He revealed that a “blocking vaccination” initiative had already been conducted in the district of Chiure, and a more extensive vaccination campaign targeting children under 15 years of age is scheduled for September.
To counter the spread of measles, the Mozambican government, through its Ministry of Health, is implementing a series of measures, including the training of technical staff in case management and the reinforcement of routine immunisation programmes. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the outbreak and protect public health.
In addition to addressing the measles crisis, President Nyusi acknowledged the potential threat posed by mpox, which has been reported in South Africa and has affected several African countries since November 2022. The World Health Organisation has declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern, a status corroborated by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. In light of this, President Nyusi disclosed that the Ministry of Health is actively updating its readiness and response plan. This includes bolstering laboratory capacity for testing suspected cases and revising therapeutic protocols to manage any potential mpox cases effectively.
President Nyusi concluded his remarks by urging the Mozambican population to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding public health. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the current health crises but expressed confidence that, with collective effort, they can be surmounted.
