The escalating mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other countries was declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on 14 August 2024.

Over 120 countries have confirmed more than 106 000 cases of mpox since the onset of the global outbreak in 2022. In 2024, there has been an upsurge of mpox in the DRC and neighbouring countries, with about 68,999 suspected cases and approximately 1,255 deaths reported across 21 countries in the WHO African Region as of 12 December 2024.

Namibia recorded its first suspected case of mpox on 15 August 2024 and has since tested 40 suspected cases of mpox. Although the country has no recorded cases of mpox, it remains vulnerable as it shares common borders with several southern African countries, including Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, which all have reported mpox cases.  Dr Anna Jonas, MOHSS Regional Director for the Erongo Region, said that Namibia is susceptible to the importation of mpox through different entry points.  Dr Jonas was speaking during the opening ceremony of a workshop to develop a risk communication and community engagement plan on mpox as part of Namibia’s alertness and preparedness for mpox.  

She noted the ‘critical role that a robust mpox communication plan plays in managing public health crises such as mpox and emergency preparedness and ensuring timely, accurate, and culturally sensitive dissemination of information. She said that mpox presents unique challenges that can be mitigated through a strategic approach to communication.  ‘We can ensure that accurate information reaches the right audiences, reduce misinformation, and promote public awareness and safety, she emphasized.

With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health and Social Services drafted a risk communication and community engagement plan for mpox, aligning with the continental and global plans on mpox.  The RCCE plan for mpox aims to strengthen the response capacity to deliver evidence-based communication strategies at local levels and address infodemics promptly and accurately.  

The plan will be reviewed periodically, adjusting to the dynamics of the outbreak.