Travel Destinations in Africa

Southern Africa Tourism Alliance to Vacationers: Area Is Protected to Go to

In mild of current international well being declarations relating to Mpox, the SADC (Southern African Improvement Neighborhood) Enterprise Council Tourism Alliance has reaffirmed that Southern Africa stays a secure and welcoming vacation spot for tourism. The Tourism Alliance emphasizes the area’s swift and coordinated response to the state of affairs, whereas highlighting the minimal threat to vacationers.

On August 14, 2024, the World Well being Group (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Well being Emergency of Worldwide Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was adopted by the Africa Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Well being Emergency of Continental Safety (PHECS) on August 13, 2024. These declarations have been prompted by the emergence of a brand new pressure (clade Ib) within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its unfold to neighboring international locations.

Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa, chairperson of the SADC Enterprise Council Tourism Alliance, acknowledged: “We take these declarations critically and commend the proactive strategy of world and regional well being authorities. Nonetheless, it is essential to grasp that the danger to vacationers in Southern Africa stays low. Our member international locations are implementing sturdy measures to handle and mitigate any potential unfold of the virus.”

SADC member states have responded swiftly to the state of affairs:

  1. South Africa: The Division of Well being has reported 24 circumstances of Mpox (clade IIb) as of August 2024, primarily affecting individuals who have had bodily contact with an infectious particular person. The nation has applied enhanced surveillance and speak to tracing protocols.
  2. Botswana: As of August 16, 2024, Botswana has intensified screening for Mpox at chosen ports of entry, together with Kazungula, Maun airport, and Gaborone Airport, demonstrating proactive measures to forestall the unfold of the virus.
  3. Angola: As of August 16, 2024, Angola has not registered any circumstances of Mpox however has bolstered its contingency plan, significantly specializing in border management with the DRC and Congo.
  4. Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi: These international locations haven’t reported Mpox circumstances however have heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
  5. Democratic Republic of the Congo: Whereas experiencing a major outbreak, the DRC is working carefully with WHO and Africa CDC to implement management measures. It is vital to notice that typical vacationer locations in Southern Africa are removed from affected areas.

The SADC Enterprise Council Tourism Alliance has additional clarified its place on Mpox and journey to Southern Africa:

  1. Low threat for vacationers: The danger of Mpox transmission in Southern African international locations stays decrease than in lots of traveler supply markets. Typical vacationer actions don’t put vacationers at excessive threat for contracting Mpox.
  2. No journey restrictions: As of August 2024, there are not any widespread journey restrictions associated to Mpox for Southern African international locations. Solely Canada has issued a degree 2 advisory, merely recommending real looking precautions.
  3. Protected vacationer actions: Safari and wildlife viewing actions are secure. There is no such thing as a elevated threat of Mpox transmission from being in forests or round wildlife.
  4. Proactive administration: SADC member states have applied surveillance, contact tracing, and remedy protocols to successfully handle potential Mpox circumstances.
  5. Financial significance of tourism: “Tourism is significant for our economies the conservation efforts. We encourage vacationers to take care of their plans to go to our area whereas staying knowledgeable about well being tips.”

Recommendation for Vacationers

Whereas Southern Africa is emphasizing the low threat, they’re advising vacationers to:

  1. Observe good hygiene, together with frequent hand washing.
  2. Keep away from shut contact with people who seem ailing or have seen pores and skin lesions.
  3. Keep knowledgeable about well being tips of their particular vacation spot.
  4. Search medical consideration in the event that they develop signs comparable to fever or unexplained pores and skin rash.

“We need to reassure our international companions and potential guests that Southern Africa continues to supply secure, unforgettable experiences,” Tshivengwa added. “Our member international locations have taken proactive steps to handle well being issues, making certain that tourism actions stay low-risk and pleasurable.”

The SADC Enterprise Council Tourism Alliance stays dedicated to offering correct, up-to-date info and making certain a secure, welcoming setting for all who want to expertise Southern Africa.

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