As the voice of inbound tourism in South Africa, we acknowledge the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recent declaration classifying the rise in Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
While we fully support efforts to combat the spread of Mpox and recognises the seriousness of this declaration, we are deeply concerned by the inaccurate and misleading reporting surrounding the outbreak.
Africa is not a country, but a vast continent
We recognise the need for international cooperation to address the Mpox outbreak effectively. However, media narratives that generalise and stigmatise the entire continent do not contribute to resolving the crisis.
It is critical to understand that Africa is not a country, but a vast continent – geographically larger than China, the United States, and Europe combined. Each of its 54 countries has unique environments and health contexts.
Painting the entire continent as a high-risk zone due to a localised outbreak is not only factually wrong, it is damaging to crucial tourism economies across Africa.
Southern Africa remains a safe and desirable travel destination
Tour operators in the region are committed to the highest safety standards and are working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation. Unnecessary fearmongering is counterproductive. Therefore, we urge media outlets to provide accurate, contextualised and responsible reporting that avoids harmful generalisations.
We support WHO’s efforts and we remain committed to ensuring that travellers to Southern Africa have a safe and memorable experience. We advise staying informed through reliable sources such as the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
David Frost | CEO | Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) | mail me |
Related FAQs: Mpox public health emergency
Q: What is the current status of the mpox outbreak?
A: The current mpox outbreak has been declared a public health emergency by health authorities due to increased cases of mpox reported in various countries, particularly in Africa.
Q: What measures are being taken to address the mpox outbreak?
A: Health authorities are implementing measures such as promoting vaccination, conducting laboratory testing for suspected cases and increasing public awareness about the transmission of the virus.
Q: Is there an mpox vaccine available for the current outbreak?
A: Yes, there is an mpox vaccine available, which was used during the 2022 outbreak and is currently being administered to at-risk populations to prevent the spread of the virus.
Q: What are the symptoms of mpox that individuals should be aware of?
A: Symptoms of mpox include fever, muscle aches and rashes that can occur after close contact with an infected person. It is essential to monitor for these symptoms, especially during an outbreak.
Q: Which countries are most affected by the current mpox outbreak?
A: Countries in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya, have reported the highest number of cases during the current mpox outbreak. Neighbouring countries are also on alert for suspected cases.
Q: What populations are most at risk during the mpox outbreak?
A: Men who have sex with men are among the populations identified as being at higher risk for transmission during the current mpox outbreak, particularly in areas with a high number of reported cases.
Q: How can individuals protect themselves from the mpox virus?
A: Individuals can protect themselves from the mpox virus by getting vaccinated, avoiding close contact with infected individuals and practicing safe sexual behaviour to reduce the risk of transmission.
Q: What role does the World Health Organization play in managing the mpox outbreak?
A: The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in managing the mpox outbreak by providing guidelines, coordinating international responses and supporting countries in their efforts to control the outbreak.