In light of recent global health declarations regarding Mpox, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has reiterated that Southern Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourism.

It further emphasised the region’s swift and coordinated response to the situation while highlighting the minimal risk to travellers.

Last week (August 14), the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring the outbreak a public health emergency of continental security the previous day (August 13).

These declarations were prompted by the emergence of a new strain (clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Chairperson of the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, said: “We take these declarations seriously and commend the proactive approach of global and regional health authorities. However, it’s crucial to understand that the risk to travellers in Southern Africa remains low. Our member countries are implementing robust measures to manage and mitigate any potential spread of the virus”.

SADC member states have responded swiftly to the situation:

• South Africa: The Department of Health has reported 24 cases of Mpox (clade IIb) in August, primarily affecting people who have had physical contact with an infectious person. The country has implemented enhanced surveillance and contact tracing protocols.
• Botswana: As of August 16, Botswana has intensified screening for Mpox at selected ports of entry, including Kazungula as well as Maun and Gaborone airports, demonstrating proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Angola: As of August 16, Angola has not registered any cases of Mpox but has reinforced its contingency plan, particularly focusing on border control with the DRC and the Republic of the Congo.
• Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi: These countries have not reported Mpox cases but have heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
• DRC: While experiencing a significant outbreak, the DRC is working closely with WHO and Africa CDC to implement control measures. It’s important to note that typical tourist destinations in Southern Africa are far from affected areas.

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has clarified several points on its Mpox position and travel to Southern Africa:

• Low risk for tourists: The risk of Mpox transmission in Southern African countries remains lower than in many traveller source markets. Typical tourist activities do not put travellers at high risk of contracting Mpox.
• No travel restrictions: To date, there are no widespread travel restrictions related to Mpox for Southern African countries. Only Canada has issued a level 2 advisory, simply recommending realistic precautions.
• Safe tourist activities: Safari and wildlife viewing activities are safe. There is no increased risk of Mpox transmission in forests or around wildlife.
• Proactive management: SADC member states have implemented surveillance, contact tracing and treatment protocols to effectively manage potential Mpox cases.
• Economic importance of tourism: Tourism is vital for our economies and conservation efforts. We encourage travellers to maintain their plans to visit our region while staying informed about health guidelines.

Advice for travellers

While emphasising the low risk, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance advises travellers to:

• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
• Avoid close contact with people who appear ill or have visible skin lesions.
• Stay informed about health guidelines in specific destinations.
• Seek medical attention if there are symptoms such as fever or an unexplained skin rash.

“We want to reassure our global partners and potential visitors that Southern Africa continues to offer safe, unforgettable experiences,” Tshivhengwa added. “Our member countries have taken proactive steps to manage health concerns, ensuring that tourism activities remain low-risk and enjoyable.”

Who is at risk?

Medical Advisor to the African Travel and Tourism Association Dr Richard Dawood highlighted that Mpox is a viral infection, which shares some similarities with smallpox (to the extent that the smallpox vaccine may be protective). However, it is much less severe.

“Although current news reports of Mpox cases are alarming and intended to generate a global public health response in order to raise awareness and bring outbreaks under control, most tourists and travellers to Africa are not at risk.

“Travel to Africa for the usual tourist activities, such as safaris, outdoor activities and beaches, should be unaffected by the outbreak.”

Older travellers who have previously been vaccinated against smallpox may still have some additional cross-protection against Mpox, he added.

According to Dawood:

• Risk arises from close contact (especially sexual) with infected people.
• People at highest risk are men who have sex with men.
• High-risk behaviour is easily avoided and safe-sex precautions reduce the risk of infection.
• Risk also arises from close physical contact with infected animals or by eating under-cooked bush meat, which should be avoided (thorough cooking kills the virus).
• Healthcare workers may be at risk if caring for people who are ill with Mpox.
• Journalists and news media personnel should avoid physical contact and observe the usual hygiene precautions when reporting on the evolving Mpox outbreak situation.

What can trade do?

CEO and Founder of Wild Wings Safaris Onne Vegter, commenting on an inbound industry WhatsApp group, said the Mpox situation is causing concern and his company had consequent cancellations.

According to Vegter, a major East African supplier will not refund bookings.

He said the African travel industry needs to be very vocal and proactive in its lobbying and communication efforts to ensure there isn’t a repeat of the Ebola situation, which devastated tourism on the continent.

To allay clients’ fears, Vegter suggests three key interventions:

1. Suppliers need to consider promising full refunds to customers in the event that there is an overreaction and borders are closed or travel bans are announced. “This will ensure guests have no reason to fear booking travel to Africa.”
2. Influential people with connections to governments and decision-makers (major operators and industry associations) need to lobby them to raise awareness of the grave economic risks of overreacting to this outbreak.
3. In newsletters and blogs, suppliers should reinforce the message that the Southern and East African regions are not currently impacted by the outbreak in the DRC and that these destinations are safe to visit.