Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda chaired a comprehensive high-level meeting on Saturday to evaluate India's preparedness in the face of a global surge in monkeypox cases, particularly in Africa. The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining a heightened state of alertness and ensuring that all necessary preventive measures are in place, even though there have been no recent reports of monkeypox in India.
During the meeting, Nadda underscored the critical need for a proactive approach to safeguard public health, directing officials to establish and enforce stringent protocols aimed at preventing and controlling any potential spread of the virus. The meeting was attended by top experts and representatives from key health agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), and leading medical institutions like AIIMS.
The discussion focused on the global monkeypox situation, with WHO's data highlighting the significant impact of the virus worldwide. Since 2022, WHO has reported over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths across 116 countries, reflecting the widespread nature of the outbreak. However, experts at the meeting noted that India has successfully managed the situation so far, with only 30 cases reported since the initial global declaration by WHO in July 2022. The last recorded case in India was in March 2024, and the experts agreed that the risk of a large-scale outbreak in the country remains low at present.
In the meeting, it was highlighted that monkeypox infections are generally self-limiting, with symptoms lasting between two to four weeks. Patients typically recover with supportive care, and the virus requires prolonged close contact for transmission. The primary modes of transmission include direct contact with bodily fluids, lesion fluids, or contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding used by an infected person. Additionally, the sexual route has been identified as a significant pathway for the spread of the virus.
The WHO's decision to revoke the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status for monkeypox in May 2023 was discussed, with experts agreeing that this move reflects a better understanding of the virus and its transmission patterns. However, the meeting participants reiterated the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness, given the unpredictable nature of viral outbreaks and the potential for new cases to emerge.
The Joint Monitoring Group, led by the Director General of Health Services, also met on Friday to review the situation and provide recommendations. The group acknowledged that while the current risk level is low, the health authorities must remain prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any new developments.
JP Nadda concluded the meeting by reassuring the public that the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to taking all necessary actions to protect the health and safety of the population. He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between national health agencies and international partners like WHO to ensure that India remains well-prepared to handle any future challenges related to monkeypox or other emerging infectious diseases.
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