PM Modi Monitors Mpox Preparedness Amid WHO Public Health Emergency Alert
In a proactive response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) renewed declaration of Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation. The declaration comes in light of the increasing prevalence and spread of Mpox across several regions, particularly in Africa.
Following the Prime Minister’s direction, Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a high-level meeting to review India’s preparedness for Mpox and the public health measures being implemented. The meeting, held in New Delhi, brought together senior officials from key ministries and departments, including health and disaster management.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that, while there have been no reported cases of Mpox in India since March 2024, vigilance remains crucial. The World Health Organization had earlier reported that, since 2022, over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths were recorded globally across 116 countries. Particularly alarming is the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases have surged past 15,600 this year alone, resulting in 537 deaths.
Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra provided an update on the measures taken over the past week to enhance India’s readiness. These steps include a risk assessment meeting convened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12, 2024, updating the Communicable Disease Alert for Mpox, and sensitizing health teams at international airports and other ports of entry.
A video conference led by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) also took place this morning, involving over 200 participants. State health authorities, including Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) units, were briefed on the importance of heightened surveillance and early detection of potential cases.
Dr. P. K. Mishra directed that surveillance efforts be intensified across the country and that the network of testing laboratories, currently consisting of 32 facilities, be fully equipped to handle any potential cases swiftly. He also stressed the importance of disseminating prevention and treatment protocols widely and launching an awareness campaign among healthcare providers to ensure timely recognition and reporting of Mpox symptoms.
The meeting underscored India’s commitment to remaining vigilant against Mpox, despite the current low risk of a large outbreak with sustained transmission in the country. Continued coordination among health authorities, enhanced surveillance, and public awareness are key to ensuring that India remains prepared to respond effectively to any future cases.
The meeting was attended by Dr. V.K. Paul, Member NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (Health Research); Shri Krishna S Vatsa, Member Secretary (National Disaster Management Authority); Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (Information & Broadcasting); and Shri Govind Mohan, Home Secretary-designate, along with other senior officials.
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