Surveillance and response to Mpox control in Ethiopia: an urgent health threat; an editorial.

BACKGROUND

Mpox (formerly monkeypox) has emerged as a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. The recent confirmation of Mpox cases in the Moyale region of Ethiopia highlights the urgent need for robust surveillance and response mechanisms in the Horn of Africa.

POLICY GAPS: While Ethiopia has a strong history of epidemic control, specific gaps remain in diagnostic capacity for orthopoxviruses in remote border regions, and there is a need to adapt current strategies to resource-limited settings.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This editorial advocates for integrating Mpox detection into Ethiopia's existing Polio and Measles surveillance networks to maximize cost-effectiveness. We recommend targeted vaccination strategies for high-risk healthcare workers rather than broad mandates, implementing community-based surveillance through Health Extension Workers, and ensuring ethical risk communication to prevent stigma.

CONCLUSION

Immediate coordination between the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, Africa CDC, and WHO is required to contain the spread and prevent a broader regional outbreak.