Mpox, polio, measles,… Guinea faces a silent crisis

Guinea is facing a worrying health situation. According to the weekly epidemiological bulletin of the National Health Security Agency (ANSS), published this Monday, seven epidemics are currently underway in several districts of the country at the beginning of July.

Among the diseases reported are contagious and potentially fatal pathologies such as measles, the diphtheria, the Lassa fever, the human rage, the Mpox (formerly monkeypox), polio and the COVID-19.

Mpox, which has resurfaced in West Africa in recent years, is the most widespread with 7 districts affected, followed by COVID-19 active in 4 districts, and the polio, the measles and the diphtheria that affect everyone 2 districts. The Lassa fever and the human rage currently concern only one district each.

On the epidemiological map provided by the ANSS, the majority of outbreaks are concentrated in the regions of Lower Guinea, particularly around Conakry, Coyah, Forécariah and Kindia. However, certain epidemics such as human rage and the polio also affect Upper Guinea and Forest Guinea, which shows a wide geographic dispersion of cases.

Crossed risks and increased vigilance

The coexistence of several simultaneous epidemics represents a considerable challenge for the Guinean health system, already strained by limited resources. Health authorities are calling for vigilance, vaccination where possible, and compliance with hygiene and prevention measures.

The ANSS continues active surveillance, contact tracing and community response with the support of its technical and financial partners. Awareness campaigns and rapid interventions in epidemic outbreaks remain crucial to avoid massive spread.

Strengthening scientific communication to raise awareness

This situation highlights the importance of effective communication on public health issues, a key axis for combating misinformation and strengthening public support for vaccination campaigns and prevention measures.

Alpha Oumar Bagou Barry