Pakistan intensifies mpox prevention efforts after second case reproted

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has intensified proactive measures to prevent the spread of mpox (monkeypox), following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of a global health emergency.

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Friday confirmed the second monkeypox case in Pakistan. The patient returned to Peshawar from the Gulf country.

According to the Ministry of Health spokesperson, the Health Desk at Peshawar Airport identified the patient with a positive Mopox test and transferred him to the hospital timely.

National Coordinator for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that an effective system of screening and surveillance system was functional at all airports. The spokesperson said that the border health staff were working diligently at airports and entry points to ensure continuous monitoring of the situation.

The Ministry of Interior issued a notification directing the Ministry of National Health to establish Health Monitoring/Protection Counters at all airports and entry points in Pakistan.

A private media channel, citing the airport officials, reported that at least 18,479 passengers coming from abroad were screened on Thursday including 4,595 passengers at the Jinnah International Airport Karachi, 4,964 at the Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, and 4,790 at the Islamabad International Airport.

According to the reports, the screening of 135 international flight passengers was done in 24 hours across eight airports in the country.

Since April 2023, Pakistan had 11 confirmed Mpox cases with one death, all linked to travelers from the Middle East and other regions. During a special NCOC session, officials noted that around 15 African countries are currently reporting Mpox cases, with 2,030 confirmed infections.

Following the detection of several mpox cases, Pakistan has requested vaccines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and GAVI. The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has begun discussions with these international bodies to secure a significant quantity of mpox vaccines. These vaccines will primarily be designated for healthcare workers and infectious disease specialists who are on the front lines of managing and treating confirmed and suspected mpox cases.