Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopia confirmed its first case of Mpox in Moyale, Oromia region, on May 25, 2025, as the country faces with a nationwide healthcare strike now in its second week.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) announced that samples taken from suspected cases in Moyale town confirmed the presence of the virus. Among the confirmed cases is a 21-day-old infant, whose mother also tested positive for Mpox. The statement noted that the father had recently traveled to a “neighboring country,” though it did not specify which country. Authorities are working to trace the father’s movements and identify individuals who may have had contact with him. “Follow-ups on the matter are underway,” the statement said.
The infant and mother are currently in a designated quarantine area, receiving necessary medical care. According to the statement, “both are not under any health complications at this time.”
The Ministry of Health said it has taken proactive measures to combat Mpox since the outbreak began in other African countries. “The ministry, together with EPHI, established an emergency Coordination Center in advance to prevent the outbreak,” the statement read. It added that quarantine centers for suspected cases have been set up, and health institutions are prepared to treat infected individuals. The statement highlighted collaboration with the Africa CDC, based in Addis Ababa, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen efforts in preventing and controlling the disease across the continent.
The public was urged to remain vigilant. The statement advised, “If anybody who has had contact with Mpox-infected persons observes symptoms and signs including rash, cough, fever, headache, tiredness, and back pain, they must immediately go to health centers for diagnosis and medical attention.” It also recommended wearing masks in areas where Mpox is suspected and maintaining personal hygiene. The statement reassured the public that the virus is currently limited to specific areas, urging people not to panic.
The Mpox outbreak coincides with a nationwide healthcare strike that began on May 19, 2025, led by health professionals demanding better pay and working conditions. Ethiopian medical doctors earn an average of $85 monthly, among the lowest salaries globally for the profession.
Despite the strike, Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba claimed in a May 19 interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) that health services remain unaffected. “Health professionals at all levels are providing uninterrupted service to patients — including in-patient and emergency care,” she said, dismissing reports of widespread service suspensions.
However, reports from across the country contradict the minister’s claims. The Ethiopian Public Health Association (EPHA) confirmed that major hospitals nationwide have experienced significant service disruptions.
The convergence of the Mpox outbreak and the ongoing healthcare strike raises concerns about Ethiopia’s capacity to respond effectively to the emerging public health crisis.
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