Government Rolls Out Strategy to Combat Monkeypox
— August 17, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, announced on Saturday that the government has formulated a comprehensive strategy to protect the population from the monkeypox (mpox).
Addressing a press conference, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad reassured the public, emphasising that there is no need to worry as only one case of mpox has been reported in Pakistan. He added that surveillance and screening are in place at all airports and entry points across the country.
Dr. Ahmad further added that laboratories have been established in the capital and provinces for diagnosing mpox. He highlighted that cases of mpox have been reported primarily from Africa; therefore, individuals coming from Africa, America, and the Gulf countries will undergo stringent monitoring.
Under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, both the federal and provincial governments have taken coordinated actions to deal with the potential threat. Dr. Ahmad emphasised that the Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with provincial authorities. He also mentioned, as per PM’s order, daily meetings are being held to assess the situation.
He urged the public to self-isolate if they or their family members have a travel history and exhibit mpox symptoms. He advised consulting a qualified doctor for proper guidance and treatment if symptoms appear.
Dr. Ahmad told the media that, globally, 99,000 cases have been reported, with only 200 fatalities, while the rest have fully recovered. He added that symptoms may take 10 to 15 days to appear, and the virus is most likely to spread with prolonged contact.
Quarantining the patient is recommended, and fever medications are commonly used for treatment.