Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the Mpox situation following its declaration as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s preparedness, advising enhanced surveillance, readiness of testing labs, and a public awareness campaign.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively overseeing the Mpox situation after the World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified the virus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. In response, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, led a high-level meeting to evaluate India’s preparedness. It was noted that India currently has no active Mpox cases, and the risk of a large-scale outbreak remains low.
The WHO’s declaration follows a surge in Mpox cases, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 2022, over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths have been reported globally, with India recording 30 cases to date, the last of which was in March 2024. Despite the absence of active cases in India, Dr. Mishra emphasized the need for vigilant surveillance and readiness, particularly at international points of entry.
“Surveillance must be enhanced, and testing laboratories must be prepared for prompt detection of cases,” Dr. P.K. Mishra directed during the meeting.
Mpox, primarily transmitted through close and prolonged contact, particularly via the sexual route, has seen a resurgence in several parts of Africa. The virus, generally self-limiting with a duration of 2-4 weeks, had previously seen a decline but has recently resurged, prompting global health concerns.
The Indian government’s proactive measures, including the readiness of 32 testing laboratories and the sensitization of health teams at ports of entry, aim to prevent a potential outbreak. An awareness campaign targeting healthcare providers and the general public is also being launched to ensure early detection and treatment.
While the current risk of a widespread outbreak in India is assessed as low, the government continues to stress the importance of preparedness. Critics argue that complacency could lead to vulnerabilities, especially with international travel resuming post-pandemic.
Health Secretary Shri Apurva Chandra stated, “Our focus is on preventive measures and timely intervention to mitigate any potential threat.”
As the global situation evolves, India’s health authorities remain vigilant, with enhanced surveillance and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing any resurgence of Mpox within the country.
