The Minister of Health, Jenista Mhagama, has advised Tanzanians to take precautions against the Mpox disease by avoiding hugging, shaking hands, and close contact.
This is because the disease is spread from animals to humans, and humans can also spread it through bodily fluids.
Mhagama made this statement on March 15, 2025, during a meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee, led by the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ahmed Abbas Ahmed.
The meeting was attended by various officials, including District Commissioners, Directors, Members of Parliament, and Security and Defense officials.
"On March 7, 2025, we received reports of suspected cases showing signs like rashes that are related to Mpox. By March 9, 2025, after lab tests, we confirmed two cases of Mpox," said Hon. Mhagama.
She also mentioned that the government, through the Ministry of Health, is closely tracking the disease, especially monitoring those who had contact with the patients.
This is to stop the spread of the disease and ensure that Tanzanians stay safe, just like how the government successfully handled the Marburg outbreak.
"These diseases don't have borders, which is why we work with other countries to protect people and give them information on how to spot the symptoms and take proper action to stop the disease from spreading," said Mhagama.
Additionally, Mhagama praised the government for its efforts in fighting disease outbreaks, particularly the successful elimination of the Marburg virus in Tanzania, which was controlled in just 54 days after 42 days without any new cases.
"Our country took only 54 days to fight and end this disease, showing how the government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is dedicated to managing the health of its citizens by investing in healthcare systems, medical expertise, and equipment. This helps us quickly control outbreaks and keep people healthy," said Mhagama.
Mhagama also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuously improving the health sector in the country, including equipping the Ruvuma Regional Referral Hospital with diagnostic tools like Digital X-Ray machines, which make it easier to provide services, especially for pregnant women.
"We thank President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for strengthening the Ruvuma Regional Hospital. It will serve as a key health center, and with the new diagnostic tools, including Digital X-Ray, we hope to further improve services.
We plan to add more equipment, such as an MRI machine, to help diagnose and treat serious diseases," she explained.
The Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Colonel Ahmed Abbas, also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for improving the health sector in the region and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its efforts in fighting infectious diseases.