In light of recent global health declarations regarding Mpox, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has reaffirmed that Southern Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourism.
The Tourism Alliance emphasized the region’s swift and coordinated response to the situation, while highlighting the minimal risk to travellers. On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 13 August.
These declarations were prompted by the emergence of a new strain (clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries.
Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa, Chairperson of the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, stated: We take these declarations seriously and commend the proactive approach of global and regional health authorities. However, its crucial to understand that the risk to travellers in Southern Africa remains low. Our member countries are implementing robust measures to manage and mitigate any potential spread of the virus.
SADC member states have responded swiftly to the situation. The South African Department of Health has reported 24 cases of Mpox (clade IIb) as of August, primarily affecting people who have had physical contact with an infectious person. The country has implemented enhanced surveillance and contact tracing protocols.
Botswana has intensified screening for Mpox at selected ports of entry, including Kazungula, Maun airport, and Gaborone Airport, demonstrating proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Angola has not registered any cases of Mpox but has reinforced its contingency plan, particularly focusing on border control with the DRC and Congo.
Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi have not reported Mpox cases but have heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
Democratic Republic of the Congo, while experiencing a significant outbreak, is working closely with WHO and Africa CDC to implement control measures. It’s important to note that typical tourist destinations in Southern Africa are far from affected areas.
The Tourism Alliance said the risk of Mpox transmission in Southern African countries remains lower than in many traveller source markets and that there are no widespread travel restrictions related to Mpox for Southern African countries.
The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance is a non-profit, membership-based association dedicated to the responsible development of travel and tourism within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. ¬-SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance
