Dealing with mpox

Pakistan has reported its fourth mpox case, all originating from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). While the number of cases in Pakistan remains low, the global context paints a more alarming picture. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared mpox a global public health emergency, with over 100,000 confirmed cases and around 225 deaths reported across 120 countries between January 2022 and August 2024. Africa is currently bearing the brunt of this outbreak, and its hospitals are overwhelmed by the influx of infected patients. Pakistan’s relatively low case count should not lead to complacency. If there is anything we learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that contagious viruses, if not managed properly, can swiftly escalate into full-blown crises, disrupting lives and economies alike. The world cannot afford a repeat of 2020, and it is crucial that all nations, including Pakistan, treat mpox with the seriousness it deserves. It is good to note that health authorities in KP have already set up isolation wards in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. Screening units have been installed in airports, which could help in the early diagnosis of the disease.

The response to mpox must be robust and multifaceted, drawing from the hard lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic. One critical area where Pakistan’s government needs to focus is public awareness. Despite the looming threat, there has been a noticeable lack of nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the severity of mpox. Awareness is vital to ensuring that people understand the importance of early detection, the need for quarantine, and the reason behind seemingly stringent measures. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many individuals, out of fear and misinformation, hid their symptoms from authorities, resulting in further spread. A well-informed public is less likely to resist necessary health protocols and more likely to cooperate with containment efforts. Clear instructions for caregivers should be disseminated through newspapers, television, and social media to guide families on how to care for infected members safely. This information could prevent home-based transmissions and alleviate the strain on healthcare facilities. The role of small private clinics is also crucial. By equipping them with treatment facilities, the burden on hospitals can be reduced.

Such health emergencies require collective action. Rich nations have to ensure that developing countries have access to affordable vaccines. Our government has the potential to deal with this health emergency efficiently. Collective global action is equally important in addressing the mpox threat. Wealthier nations must ensure that developing countries like Pakistan have access to affordable vaccines and medical supplies. A global crisis demands a global response, with richer nations stepping up to support those with fewer resources. The preventive measures taken today will not only help contain mpox but will also save the government from the exorbitant costs that come with managing a full-scale outbreak. Pakistan has the potential to manage this health emergency effectively, but it requires a coordinated effort involving government action, public awareness, and international cooperation.