Cabinda - A reference laboratory for detecting possible cases of Monkeypox, which ravages the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was recently installed by the health authorities of the Province of Cabinda, the head of the public health department of the Provincial Health Secretariat, Gabriel Nionje, informed Thursday.
He was speaking during a press conference that served to announce the measures that are being implemented to stop the entry of this disease in this northernmost region of the country.
According to the official, the local health authorities are setting up a multisectoral commission made up of health technicians and defense and security bodies deployed at the main border posts with the two neighbouring countries (DRC and Congo), to track individuals entering the national territory.
According to the official, who is also a doctor, the samples are taken to this laboratory set up at the Cabinda General Hospital and, in case of doubt, are sent to the country's capital, Luanda, for better diagnosis.
He informed that the health sector in the province held a meeting a few days ago with technicians working in public and private units, where some guidelines were provided on how to proceed in the event of a positive case, as well as recommended the creation of specific teams and care wards.
Health professionals linked to the Border Guard Police (PGF), Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) and the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) also participated in the meeting.
Gabriel Nionje called for the collaboration of traditional and religious authorities and neighbourhood coordinators in reporting possible cases in their work areas.
With an estimated population of around 800,000 inhabitants, the province of Cabinda shares a vast land, river and sea border with the DRC and the Congo Republic.
JFC/JL/MRA/jmc
