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The Tanzania Red Cross Society (TRCS) has deployed 750 volunteers to spearhead a public education campaign on Mpox prevention in regions bordering neighboring countries.
The initiative aims to curb the spread of the disease, particularly in areas identified as high-risk due to their proximity to countries experiencing Mpox outbreaks.
Samwel Katamba, the TRCS Disaster Management Manager, announced the campaign during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam yesterday. He explained that 50 volunteers have been assigned to each of the high-risk regions to disseminate vital information about Mpox prevention, detection, and protection.
The volunteers are working closely with community health service providers to raise awareness through various outreach methods. These include house-to-house visits, mobile campaigns using vehicles, school programs, and public gatherings. The goal is to ensure that residents are well-informed about Mpox symptoms, its transmission routes, and the necessary preventive measures.
The educational campaign is being conducted in the regions of Mara, Mwanza, Kagera, Kigoma, Katavi, Rukwa, Mbeya, and Songwe. These areas were specifically selected due to their geographic proximity to neighboring countries currently experiencing outbreaks of Mpox, which has raised concerns about potential cross-border transmission.
Katamba stressed the importance of community awareness in mitigating the spread of the disease. “Tanzania shares borders with countries that have reported Mpox cases, which puts us at risk. We are committed to educating the public about the disease, its risks, and how it spreads to help safeguard the health of our citizens,” he said.
The campaign is part of a broader effort by the TRCS to enhance public health preparedness and response to potential outbreaks. By mobilizing volunteers and collaborating with local health authorities, the organization aims to create a well-informed public that can identify symptoms early and take appropriate precautions.
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The initiative is also supported by a strong community-based approach, ensuring that even the most remote areas receive the necessary information and support. Through these concerted efforts, the TRCS hopes to minimize the impact of Mpox and prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in Tanzania.
As the country remains vigilant against Mpox, the ongoing educational efforts will play a crucial role in keeping communities safe and preventing the further spread of the disease.
