Mbamba Bay Katumbi Street, Plot No. 24
Nyasa, Ruvuma, Tanzania
Magonjwa yanayotokana na chakula ni changamoto kubwa kwa afya ya umma kote ulimwenguni, na maeneo yanayoendelea kama Afrika yakiwa na mzigo mkubwa zaidi. Kulingana na Shirika la Afya Ulimwenguni (WHO), Afrika inakumbana na takriban kesi milioni 135 za magonjwa yanayotokana na chakula kila mwaka, na kusababisha vifo karibu 180,000. Athari zake nchini Tanzania ni kubwa, ambapo vijidudu kama Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), norovirus, na Campylobacter spp. huchangia kwa sehemu kubwa ya magonjwa haya. Licha ya ukubwa wa tatizo hili, mzigo wake kwa watu binafsi, familia, na mifumo ya afya mara nyingi hupuuzwa, na hatua za kuzuia zinabaki kuwa duni. Nchini Tanzania, mfumo wa ukaguzi wa usalama wa chakula unakumbwa na changamoto nyingi, hasa katika vituo vya mipakani na masoko ambako bidhaa za chakula huingia kwenye mnyororo wa usambazaji bila ukaguzi wa kutosha. Matokeo ya mapungufu haya ni makubwa, yakichangia ongezeko la magonjwa na vifo na kuathiri uzalishaji wa kiuchumi. Kukabiliana na tatizo hili kunahitaji juhudi za pamoja ili kuboresha viwango na ukaguzi wa usalama wa chakula, kulingana na kanuni za afya za kimataifa. Mashirika kama Sohicohe yanafanya juhudi za kuziba pengo hili kwa kuongeza uelewa na kukuza usalama wa chakula. Kupitia mikakati bunifu kama vile podcast za kukuza afya zinazolenga maeneo ya vijijini, wanasaidia kufikisha elimu ya usalama wa chakula kwa jamii zilizo mbali zaidi. Kwa kuzingatia hatua za kinga kama hizi, Tanzania ina nafasi ya kupunguza kwa kiasi kikubwa kuenea kwa magonjwa yanayotokana na chakula na kulinda afya ya raia wake.
The Tanzanian Ministry of Health has implemented a series of precautionary measures to prevent the entry and spread of Mpox in the country, following the global rise in cases. These measures include enhanced screening at ports and borders, increased community surveillance, and the readiness of healthcare facilities. Public health education campaigns have also been launched to raise awareness. Tanzanians are urged to follow preventive guidelines such as seeking medical attention for symptoms, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding direct contact with potentially infected individuals. Tanzania remains Mpox-free, but vigilance is key to maintaining this status. Source: African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA)
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued an urgent call to African health ministers to coordinate efforts against the rapidly spreading Mpox outbreak. Since January 2024, over 21,000 cases have been reported across 13 African Union member states, with a case fatality rate of nearly 3%. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya emphasized that laboratory tests alone are insufficient for diagnosis and urged countries to adopt a holistic approach combining clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data. The need for improved testing methods and vigilant monitoring is critical to controlling the outbreak and preventing further spread across the continent.
The report highlights the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Indonesia and Thailand. Indonesia has reported 88 cases since 2022, with the majority in Jakarta and West Java, and a low fatality rate. In Thailand, over 800 cases have been identified, mostly of the less severe Clade 2's C.1 subvariant. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains the most severely impacted region, with over 16,000 cases and 581 deaths due to the more dangerous Clade 1b strain. The report emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and international efforts to control the virus's spread
As of 20 August 2024, Côte d'Ivoire has reported 28 confirmed cases of mpox, including one death, in Abidjan. Although authorities describe the situation as not alarming, they are increasing surveillance to prevent further spread. The recent cases are being analyzed to determine if they involve a new, more deadly variant, clade 1b, which emerged in 2023 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC remains the most affected country, with over 16,000 cases and 548 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency due to the resurgence of mpox across Africa. Source: ProMED, via ProMED-EAFR
Tunisia has reported its first case of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle in the Jendouba governorate, near the Algerian border. The disease, which spreads through insects but is not contagious to humans, was confirmed by the Veterinary Research Institute in Tunis. In response, the Tunisian government has implemented strict measures, including isolating the affected farm, treating against insects, and monitoring nearby farms. The Ministry of Agriculture is urging breeders to follow biosecurity protocols and promptly report suspected cases to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The pie chart represents the distribution of Mpox cases in Africa in 2024. It shows that 19.3% of the cases are confirmed (2,745 cases), while the majority, 80.7%, are suspected cases (11,505 cases). This visual emphasizes the need for ongoing investigation and monitoring of suspected cases across the continent.
Five suspected cases of yellow fever have been reported in the Kimputu health zone, Idiofa territory, Kwilu province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cases involve children aged 5 to 7 years, including two boys and three girls, who exhibited symptoms of yellow fever. Samples taken from the children were sent to the Kikwit branch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and will be further analyzed at the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB). Local health authorities are on alert to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
On April 7th, World Health Day highlights global health issues and promotes the right to quality healthcare for everyone. Tanzania is committed to this goal by integrating health rights into policies and strengthening its health system. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), Tanzania is addressing challenges like COVID-19, maternal health, and communicable diseases through a six-year strategic plan. The plan focuses on improving healthcare access and promoting health education. Strategic partnerships and community involvement are crucial to ensuring that all citizens receive quality healthcare, contributing to a healthier nation.
The Africa CDC has issued an urgent alert about the ongoing monkeypox threat, noting a case fatality rate of 2.8% and significant vaccine shortages. Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, Acting Director of Africa CDC, emphasizes the need for vigilance and preventive measures. Key recommendations include avoiding contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, using PPE for healthcare workers, isolating infected persons, and seeking vaccination if available. Our NGO is committed to raising awareness, distributing educational materials, and supporting surveillance efforts in collaboration with health authorities to combat this health concern. Stay informed through reliable sources like the Africa CDC and local health authorities. Your support is vital in protecting our communities from monkeypox.