CARICOM calls for urgent collective action to prevent mpox outbreak

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, has urged all citizens across the region to remain alert by staying informed through updates from Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and local health authorities regarding mpox and its transmission.

He made the plea in the wake of the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the outbreak of mpox, specifically the more transmissible clade 1b. 

Mitchell, who was speaking ahead of the 47th Council of Human and Social Development (COHSOD) in Guyana, pointed to the importance of heightened vigilance within CARICOM. 

As of August 14, the mpox outbreak has been classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which necessitates a unified and proactive approach.

“It is important to be vigilant for any unusual rashes or lesions, especially if individuals have a travel history to areas with reported cases of mpox and seek immediate medical attention if signs or symptoms are detected” he said.

The prime minister said reporting any suspicious cases to local health authorities is a critical step in allowing for further epidemiological investigation. 

“As Heads of Government, we remain resolute in our support to strengthen ministries of health within our member states and associate members to ensure effective surveillance efforts and public health strategies to raise public awareness about mpox and contribute to our collective preparedness,” Mitchell said.

He said the CARICOM Secretariat will work with CARPHA to ensure a well-coordinated regional and international response. 

He added that CARPHA will continue to work with member states and CARICOM IMPACS to monitor incoming passengers and facilitate the rapid identification of potential cases. 

Regular updates will also be provided on the risk status as more information becomes available and if more cases are identified outside of Africa.

Although CARPHA has reported no cases of mpox clade 1b in the Caribbean Community to date, enhanced surveillance for rapid identification of possible cases is essential to ensure the safety and health security of citizens.

“Through our collective efforts and heightened awareness, the Caribbean Community can effectively safeguard the health and well-being of our communities against this public health concern,” the CARICOM chairman noted.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus that can spread through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. 

The current outbreak has shown a rapid increase in cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries, with the potential for further spread globally.

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