India’s Preparedness for Mpox Reviewed in High-Level Meeting

On Sunday, a high-level meeting was convened under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review India’s preparedness for Mpox and the country’s related public health measures. The meeting, chaired by Dr. P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, included several senior officials and focused on assessing the nation’s readiness to handle any potential cases of Mpox.

The meeting confirmed that, as of now, there are no reported cases of Mpox in India. This comes in the wake of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14. The WHO’s declaration has prompted countries worldwide to enhance their surveillance and preparedness for the disease.

According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, officials at the meeting reported to Modi that, based on current assessments, the risk of a large outbreak of Mpox in India with sustained transmission remains low. However, the government is not taking any chances and is focused on preventive measures to safeguard public health.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was to increase the vigilance of health teams at international airports and other ports of entry. These teams are being sensitized to be particularly cautious about passengers arriving from regions where Mpox cases have been reported, to prevent the potential importation of the virus into India.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining robust surveillance and preparedness, despite the current low risk. The government is committed to ensuring that India is equipped to handle any emerging health threats effectively, in line with global health standards.

The review reflects the government’s proactive approach to public health, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and readiness in the face of evolving global health challenges. The Prime Minister’s Office has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to keep the country safe from Mpox and other infectious diseases.