The Malian government is ramping up its vigilance in response to a rise in monkeypox (mpox) cases across Africa. On Thursday, Malian Minister of Health and Social Development, Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, issued an official statement addressing the growing concern over the spread of the virus on the continent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its highest level of alert due to the resurgence of mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC has been severely affected by the epidemic, reporting 548 deaths and 15,664 suspected cases across all provinces since the beginning of 2024, according to the country’s Minister of Health, Samuel-Roger Kamba.
Colonel Touré reassured the Malian public that no cases of mpox have been reported within the country’s health structures so far. However, in light of the alarming situation in other parts of Africa, Mali has taken several preventive measures. These include enhancing surveillance across all health establishments and alerting the 90 sites within the tele-dermatology network of the Bamako Dermatology Hospital.
The Minister urged the population to seek immediate medical attention if they experience suspicious symptoms such as fever, headaches, painful lymph nodes, followed by skin rashes. The government’s swift response highlights its commitment to safeguarding public health amid regional concerns.
Report by Ismail Ramadan