Blantyre, Malawi – The Malawian government has issued a warning regarding the potential spread of Mpox within the country, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the disease as a public health emergency of international concern.
Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda made the announcement during a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre to monitor progress on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
“We have been in close contact with the WHO and the Africa Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) to ensure that Malawi receives Mpox vaccines to protect our population,” Minister Chiponda stated.
Currently, Malawi is investigating two suspected cases of Mpox in Blantyre. A 31-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy are being closely monitored, with one patient receiving care at the hospital and the other being monitored at home.
“These suspected cases are under control, and we are working with the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme to conduct necessary tests,” Minister Kandodo added.
The Minister urged the public to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of Mpox.
Meanwhile, QECH Director Dr. Kelvin Monad confirmed that the hospital is on high alert for Mpox and expects to receive test results for the first suspected case shortly.
“Once the results are available, we will share them with the Ministry of Health, who will then communicate with the general public,” Dr. Monad said.
The Ministry of Health has assembled a team of health experts to develop specific guidelines for managing Mpox in Malawi.
