Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the rapidly growing monkeypox outbreak, known as M-Pox, which has been spreading across several African countries.
In response, the ministry has updated its national surveillance and response plan, bringing it in line with international epidemiological protocols.
In a statement, the ministry revealed that the national plan for monitoring and responding to the outbreak had been adjusted in light of the evolving situation worldwide.
The update takes into consideration updates about the disease and follows guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ministry noted that Morocco implemented a “proactive national response strategy” back in June 2022, which helped detect five cases of M-Pox through until March 2024.
Most of these cases did not result in further transmission. According to the ministry, the detected cases were medically mild and all patients recovered without complications.
The Moroccan government assured citizens that it remains vigilant and fully prepared to address the situation, pledging to continue providing updates as needed.
The news comes after WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared M-Pox a public health emergency of international concern, citing the disease’s rapid spread and high mortality rates in certain parts of Africa.
This is the second time in two years that M-Pox has been declared an international public health emergency.
The WHO had previously classified the disease as such between July 2022 and May 2023, cases continue to be reported worldwide as of today.