ISLAMABAD: Pakistani health authorities have approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for guidance on issuing an advisory regarding Mpox, particularly for travellers to countries from which the virus has recently been detected in Pakistan, officials said on Wednesday.
“We have requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advise us on how to appropriately issue an advisory on Mpox, given that four of our cases have originated from two brotherly Arab nations. Three patients arrived from an Arab state, while the fourth came from another where local transmission of Mpox is ongoing. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, we are seeking the Foreign Office’s advice on how best to inform and educate our citizens who are travelling to these two countries, as well as other high-risk regions worldwide,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, National Coordinator for Health, told The News.
He said that they are currently drafting an advisory on Mpox for travellers, and it will be issued as soon as they receive clear guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Bharath emphasized that the public has the right to be informed about the global health situation, especially in the countries they plan to visit for religious, business, or other purposes.
In response to the recent Mpox public health emergency, Dr Bharath also chaired a high-level meeting of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) to assess the ongoing situation.
During the meeting, attended by Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, Director General Health, experts from the National Institute of Health (NIH), Border Health Services, and representatives from provincial health departments, including Punjab’s Minister for Primary Healthcare, Khawaja Imran Nazir, authorities decided to procure at least 1,000 doses of the Mpox vaccine for frontline workers dealing with suspected cases at airports and treating patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
“Two doses of the Mpox vaccine cost around USD 200, which is extremely expensive. We need approximately 1,000 doses, which would cost USD 100,000. Therefore, we are approaching the World Health Organization (WHO) and other donor organizations for the vaccine for our frontline workers,” an official stated during the meeting.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) was instructed to explore the possibility of acquiring the experimental antiviral drug “Tecovirimat” for Mpox patients.
Dr Bharath expressed satisfaction with the surveillance measures being implemented across the country’s airports and borders, commending the Border Health Services for their diligent screening of passengers, particularly following the declaration of the Mpox emergency. “Since the onset of the Mpox emergency, four cases have been reported in Pakistan,” Dr Bharath noted, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing surveillance efforts.
The Director of Border Health Services provided a detailed briefing on the measures at airports and border crossings. “Health surveillance teams at all airports are working tirelessly to screen passengers for Mpox symptoms, and the system in place is both robust and effective,” Dr Bharath stated.
He highlighted that federal and provincial teams are working around the clock to combat the spread of the disease, with significant coordination and commitment. Dr Bharath assured that comprehensive efforts are underway to protect the public from Mpox. “The federal and provincial governments are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to take all necessary actions,” he said.
Dr Bharath also noted that health and non-health workers at entry points are receiving ongoing training, and the provision of protective equipment to health workers at airports and borders has been prioritized.
Laboratories across Pakistan have been designated for the diagnosis of the virus, and hospitals have been allocated for the isolation of confirmed cases. “We have ensured the availability of all resources to prevent the spread of Mpox, and the situation is being closely monitored on an hourly basis,” Dr Bharath added.
The recent meeting comes amid growing concerns over the spread of Mpox in Pakistan. Since the declaration of the emergency, four confirmed cases have been reported, prompting health authorities to enhance their surveillance and response strategies.
Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, spreading through close contact or contaminated materials. The Ministry of Health emphasizes public awareness and preventive measures to stop the spread. Pakistan’s health authorities stress vigilance and early detection, with airports and border points implementing strict screening protocols. Isolation facilities and testing laboratories are set up nationwide to manage and detect cases. The Ministry of Health is dedicated to ensuring public safety and strengthening the country’s response to the Mpox outbreak.
