Tiko Health District Intensifies Community Awareness on Monkypox Prevention

Tiko, Cameroon — The Tiko Health District, under the South West Regional Delegation of Public Health, has stepped up efforts to strengthen community awareness and disease surveillance through a stakeholder sensitisation meeting on Mpox.

The awareness session, held today Thursday, July 30, brought together health workers, community leaders, surveillance focal persons, local residents and representatives of UNICEF to discuss the growing importance of early detection and prevention of the disease.

Health experts educated participants on the causes of Mpox, its modes of transmission, common symptoms, people most at risk and preventive measures. Demonstrations on proper hand hygiene and guidance on reporting and managing suspected cases also formed part of the discussions.

Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, including concerns over the current rise in reported Mpox cases. Facilitators explained the factors contributing to the increase and emphasized the importance of community vigilance. The meeting also highlighted other vaccine-preventable diseases under surveillance, including measles.

Representatives of the Divisional Officer and the Mayor of Tiko, in their closing remarks, urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their communities and to promptly report any suspected cases to health authorities.

The South West Regional Delegation of Public Health reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing disease surveillance and public health awareness across the region, while acknowledging UNICEF for its continued support of health interventions.