(APS) – The regional health directorate (DRS) of Diourbel (center) presented, Wednesday, a regional prevention and response plan against Mpox commonly called monkeypox, with a view to strengthening preventive measures against this disease
“The objective of this meeting is to share our action plan against monkeypox in order to strengthen preventive measures despite the vulnerability factors recorded in the Diourbel region,” explained the regional health director, doctor Mamadou Dieng.
He was speaking on the occasion of the meeting of the regional committee to combat epidemics chaired by the governor of Diourbel, Ibrahima Fall, in the presence of community leaders, grassroots community organizations and stakeholders in the region’s health system.
In Diourbel, he indicated, the 8 suspected cases notified by the health districts of the region all came back negative.
Recalling that to date no cases have been recorded in Senegal, Mr. Dieng specified that the incubation of Mpox disease can range from five to 21 days.
In its action plan, the Diourbel regional health directorate wants to bring religious and community leaders to support communication for the prevention of monkeypox.
Likewise, Mamadou Dieng indicated that advocacy visits and training sessions will be organized to encourage populations to adopt preventive behaviors against Mpox.
For the management of possible cases, “a training component for providers and the prepositioning of medications is planned,” he added, noting that there is not yet a specific treatment for this disease.
Dr Dieng also asked the relevant technical services to postpone the opening of the hunting season to protect against this zoonosis disease.
The regional health director also invited stakeholders in the education system to get involved in prevention through raising student awareness.
