Journalists visit Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COESP) and bolster the response to Mpox in Angola

Angola continues to bolster its response to the Mpox outbreak, which has so far resulted in 796 confirmed cases and two deaths since 2024, according to figures released by the health authorities. Against this backdrop, journalists from various media organizations visited the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COESP) in Luanda as part of an initiative by the Angolan Government to strengthen risk communication and the public’s access to reliable information about the disease.

The visit enabled participants to learn about how the COESP operates and its role in coordinating public health emergencies. The center collates data from epidemiological surveillance, monitors the progression of outbreaks, and supports health authorities in their decision-making.

According to the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, the effectiveness of the response to an emergency depends on the ability to turn information into action quickly. In this context, COESP plays a central role in gathering and analyzing data that guides the national response to the outbreak.

“The sooner we identify an outbreak and the more quickly we mobilise the necessary resources, the greater our ability to interrupt transmission and save lives. The epidemiological surveillance data analyzed at COESP informs decisions on case investigation, vaccination, treatment, risk communication, and the mobilization of teams,” he said.

As the country steps up its efforts to control the spread of Mpox, communication is becoming an essential component of the response. Clear and timely information helps the public to recognize the symptoms of the disease, understand how it is transmitted, and adopt preventive measures. In this process, journalists play an important role in translating technical information into accessible messages and in promoting verified content that helps to reduce rumors and misinformation.

Addressing media professionals, the Secretary of State for Health, Dr. Carlos Pinto de Sousa, highlighted the importance of responsible coverage during the outbreak and called for the dissemination of accurate, evidence-based information.

“It is essential that the media continue to play their part in disseminating accurate, clear and evidence-based information, helping to inform the public, promote preventive measures and reduce misinformation and public alarm,” he said.

The WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health in strengthening epidemiological surveillance, risk communication, and mechanisms for coordinating the response to Mpox. Collaboration between health authorities, partners, and the media is essential to ensure that communities receive reliable information and can make informed decisions to protect their health.

Mpox is a viral disease transmitted mainly through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects. Although most cases present with mild to moderate symptoms, the disease can cause serious complications in the most vulnerable people. Given that the virus is circulating in several African countries, early case detection, contact tracing, evidence-based communication, and community engagement remain crucial to limiting transmission and controlling the outbreak.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.