Zimbabwe Tightens Borders Amid SA Mpox Surge

Zimbabwe has intensified screening at all border entry points following a surge in mpox cases in South Africa, as reported by The Daily News. Health authorities are deploying thermal scanners and quarantine protocols to detect potential cases and prevent the spread of the virus. However, the move has drawn criticism from cross-border traders who say delays are already costing them daily income, with some reporting losses of up to $50 per day. The underlying vulnerability is the porous nature of informal border crossings, where screening is nearly impossible to enforce due to limited resources and manpower. The government faces a difficult trade-off between public health and economic activity, especially for those who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods. Critics argue that without addressing the root causes of the outbreak in South Africa, border measures alone will be insufficient to protect Zimbabwe.