Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remains actively engaged in monitoring the MPox situation, following its recent designation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Under 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 against MPox and discuss public health strategies. WHO’s reclassification of MPox as a global health emergency on August 14, 2024, comes in response to its continued prevalence, particularly across parts of Africa. Since 2022, over 99,000 cases and 208 deaths have been reported globally, with recent surges in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
During the meeting, officials noted that no active MPox cases have been reported in India since March 2024, with the country’s overall risk of a widespread outbreak deemed low. MPox infections are generally self-limiting, with recovery occurring within 2-4 weeks through supportive care. Transmission primarily occurs through prolonged close contact, typically via sexual routes or direct exposure to body fluids and contaminated materials.
Recent measures include a meeting convened by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on August 12, 2024, to reassess India’s risk. Health teams at international ports of entry have been sensitized, and the existing Communicable Disease Alert on MPox has been updated.
The meeting highlighted ongoing coordination, including a video conference chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with over 200 state-level health authorities and surveillance units to strengthen detection and response efforts.
Dr. P.K. Mishra emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, robust testing capabilities, and prompt case detection, with 32 labs currently equipped for MPox testing. He also stressed the importance of disseminating prevention and treatment protocols widely, along with awareness campaigns to educate healthcare providers on the symptoms and timely reporting of the disease.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. V.K. Paul (NITI Aayog), Shri Apurva Chandra (Health Secretary), Dr. Rajiv Bahl (Health Research Secretary), and senior representatives from multiple ministries.
