Ethiopia steps up to stop Mpox in its tracks.

Ethiopia is stepping up its fight against Mpox (formerly known as monkey pox) by introducing strict health checks across border points and public areas. The country is on high alert after rising cases in parts of Africa and beyond. Health authorities are screening travellers, monitoring symptoms and increasing awareness in efforts to stop the virus from spreading.

Mpox is a viral disease that causes skin rashes, fever and fatigue. While not as deadly as other outbreaks, it spreads through close contact and can become dangerous if not controlled early. The Ethiopian government is working hard to prevent new infections but keeping track of people, symptoms and contacts is a major challenge.

   

This is where traceability powered by GS1 standards can make a big difference. Using digital tools like barcodes, QR codes and health tracking systems, authorities can follow patient records, test results and movement histories more easily. If someone tests positive, their recent contacts and locations can be traced faster, helping to isolate cases before they spread.

Traceability also helps with data sharing between clinics, labs and government agencies, making the entire response more organized and transparent. In public health, speed and clarity save lives and Ethiopia’s battle against Mpox could be much stronger with the right tracking systems in place.