Zanzibar Integrated HIV, Hepatitis, TB and Leprosy Programme, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
D-Tree International, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
AIDS Res Ther. 2024 Sep 29;21(1):65. doi: 10.1186/s12981-024-00658-9.
Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), has emerged as a significant global public health concern, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest recorded, driven by the highly virulent clade 1 strain. Transmission has shifted from animal contact to primarily sexual contact among Key Populations (KPs) such as Sex Workers (SW) and Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). In Zanzibar, where HIV prevalence is significantly higher among Key Populations, People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) are at increased risk of Mpox infection due to socioeconomic challenges and immunosuppression. Despite no reported cases in Zanzibar, the spread of Mpox in non-endemic areas highlights the need for proactive measures. Leveraging Zanzibar's strengthened public health infrastructure, key strategies include tailored awareness campaigns, improved vaccine access through existing COVID-19 vaccination models, healthcare infrastructure enhancement, and mental health support. These targeted actions aim to protect Zanzibar's most vulnerable populations and bolster preparedness against Mpox, emphasizing the importance of resource-appropriate interventions to mitigate potential outbreaks.
猴痘是由猴痘病毒（MPXV）引起的，已成为一个重大的全球公共卫生关注问题，尤其影响到弱势群体。刚果民主共和国（DRC）最近爆发的疫情是有记录以来最大的一次，由高度致命的 clade 1 株驱动。传播已经从动物接触转变为主要是性接触，特别是在性工作者（SW）和男男性接触者（MSM）等关键人群（KP）中。在桑给巴尔，关键人群中的艾滋病毒流行率明显更高，艾滋病毒感染者（PLHIV）由于社会经济挑战和免疫抑制，面临更高的猴痘感染风险。尽管桑给巴尔没有报告病例，但在非流行地区猴痘的传播突显了采取积极措施的必要性。利用桑给巴尔加强的公共卫生基础设施，关键策略包括有针对性的宣传活动、通过现有的 COVID-19 疫苗接种模式改善疫苗获取、加强医疗保健基础设施以及提供心理健康支持。这些有针对性的行动旨在保护桑给巴尔最脆弱的人群，并加强对猴痘的准备，强调采取资源适当的干预措施来减轻潜在疫情的重要性。
