Members of Parliament Seek Clarity on Zimbabwe’s Mpox Preparedness Amid Rising Concerns

Zimbabwe’s handling of health crises is once again under scrutiny as members of parliament pressed Deputy Health and Child Care Minister Sleiman Kwidini on the country’s preparedness for mpox. Two confirmed cases, one in Harare and another in Mberengwa, have raised the urgency of government action.

Parliamentarians demanded a detailed response plan, questioning whether the nation’s health infrastructure is equipped to handle another potential pandemic, and how authorities intend to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Kwidini, in a bid to reassure the lawmakers, emphasized that Zimbabwe is not only aware of the situation but has been proactive. According to him, surveillance teams have been actively monitoring incoming travelers, screening for symptoms and ensuring early detection.

This preventive measure, he claimed, has been a key element of Zimbabwe’s readiness plan. However, questions still linger over how robust these surveillance efforts are, especially in rural areas where health infrastructure tends to be weaker.

Isolation, the deputy minister noted, will play a critical role in containing the spread of mpox. Infected individuals, once identified, will be separated to avoid further transmission. Training programs, Kwidini added, are underway, focusing on health workers at district hospitals and even village-level health professionals.

These workers are being trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of mpox quickly, thus expediting response efforts. Yet, despite these assurances, the real concern for many remains whether these measures are sufficient, given Zimbabwe’s past struggles with health crises like cholera and COVID-19.

One critical point raised during the parliamentary session was the allocation of resources to support healthcare workers on the front lines. MP Shine Gwangwawa from Kariba asked a vital question: Is there a dedicated budget for those dealing with mpox patients? Kwidini’s response, however, sparked controversy.

He dismissed the need for financial incentives, arguing that personal protective equipment (PPE) was more essential than rewards. “You do not need a token of appreciation to do your job,” he remarked. This statement has already sparked debate, as many feel that, while PPE is undeniably important, the morale of healthcare workers should not be ignored.

The issue is particularly sensitive given Zimbabwe’s economic struggles and the low wages already affecting the healthcare sector.

As the dialogue continued, another important question surfaced. What is the long-term plan for handling recurring pandemics? Kwekwe Central legislator Judith Tobaiwa pointed out that this isn’t the first, and likely not the last, outbreak the country will face.

Her query pressed for a more sustainable strategy. Kwidini’s response, however, fell short for many: the government, he said, responds to pandemics as they occur, but it cannot predict future outbreaks. This reactive approach has left some lawmakers and health experts uneasy, particularly in light of the recurring global health crises over the last few years.

While the government’s stance on reacting to pandemics as they come may seem pragmatic, it raises concerns about long-term preparedness. Shouldn’t Zimbabwe be focusing on building a health system that’s resilient and flexible enough to handle any outbreak, whether it’s mpox or something yet unknown? This lack of foresight has been a point of contention, especially when contrasted with other nations that are developing comprehensive pandemic preparedness frameworks.

The larger issue at play is that mpox is not unique to Zimbabwe. The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have both declared mpox a public health emergency. More than 100,000 confirmed cases and over 200 deaths have been reported in over 120 countries since 2022.

Zimbabwe is not alone in dealing with this crisis, but the challenge lies in how well it can leverage global expertise and resources to strengthen its response.

Given Zimbabwe’s checkered history with pandemics, including the devastating cholera outbreaks and the immense pressure COVID-19 placed on its healthcare system, many citizens are skeptical of the government’s assurances.

Will the steps outlined by Kwidini suffice to prevent mpox from becoming a wider national crisis, or are we seeing another repeat of a familiar pattern: delayed action, underfunded health initiatives, and overburdened frontline workers?

Zimbabwe’s handling of mpox will undoubtedly become a litmus test for the government’s overall health strategy in the coming years. The country must not only prepare for this outbreak but also ensure that future health crises are met with a proactive, well-resourced response. It is not enough to claim readiness; the government must demonstrate it through concrete actions and transparent communication with the public.

As the situation evolves, all eyes remain on the government, hoping that this time, lessons from past pandemics will guide a more effective and coordinated response. The stakes are high—not just for those infected with mpox but for the country’s healthcare infrastructure and its ability to protect all citizens from emerging global health threats.

For further reading on Zimbabwe’s handling of pandemics and health crises, visit Africa CDC’s mpox update or the WHO’s public health emergency portal.

The Zim Bulletin