New Delhi: As the World Health Organization (WHO) re-declares Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Indian government is ramping up its preparedness to prevent a potential outbreak. The decision by WHO, coming in August 2024, highlights the resurgence of Mpox, particularly in Africa, where cases have been escalating, sparking fears of global spread.
India’s last recorded case of Mpox was in March 2024, and while the country has not seen a large-scale outbreak, authorities are not taking any chances. In response to WHO’s declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting to assess the country’s readiness. The meeting, chaired by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and prompt detection.
According to government sources, there are currently no active cases of Mpox in India. However, the risk of imported cases remains, especially through international travel. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has updated its Communicable Disease Alert to reflect the latest developments and has sensitized health teams at ports of entry, including international airports.
The WHO’s decision comes on the back of troubling reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Mpox cases have surged dramatically. Globally, more than 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been reported this year, prompting urgent international action WHO experts have also reiterated the importance of vaccines like JYNNEOS and ACAM2000, though access remains limited in lower-income countries, including India (India Today) (PM India).
In India, the government has readied 32 labs for testing and is focusing on large-scale awareness campaigns. These campaigns will educate healthcare providers on the symptoms and transmission methods of Mpox, which spreads through close contact, including via respiratory secretions and direct contact with lesions or bodily fluids. Despite these efforts, experts caution that the self-limiting nature of Mpox should not lead to complacency, especially in a densely populated country like India.
As the situation unfolds, India’s health infrastructure is under scrutiny. The government’s proactive stance is a positive sign, but the real test will be in how quickly and effectively it can respond if cases start to emerge. With the global health landscape shifting, India’s ability to remain vigilant and prepared is crucial to avoiding a potential crisis.
