Mpox Outbreak: Collaborative Strategies to Strengthen India's Preparedness, Response

India has made significant progress in enhancing its readiness to combat Mpox outbreaks by utilizing a collaborative multisectoral approach and public health response to address current and future challenges effectively.

On 4 December 2024, the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a workshop on Mpox chaired by Director General of Health Services Prof. Atul Goel and WHO Representative to India Dr Roderico H. Ofrin.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including officials from the EMR Division, National Centre for Disease Control, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Virology, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, participants from central government hospitals, professional bodies such as the Indian Medical Association and the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, along with other key organizations.

Also Read:WHO Approves First Mpox Diagnostic Test for Emergency Use, Expanding Global Reach

The workshop aimed to strengthen India's preparedness and response to Mpox through collaborative strategies and knowledge-sharing involving various stakeholders. Sessions covered critical topics such as collaborative surveillance, diagnostic advancements, genomic and wastewater surveillance, clinical management, and risk communication. Special emphasis was placed on integrating Mpox response efforts into existing healthcare networks like NACO and leveraging community-based organizations to reach high-risk groups.

In India, Mpox cases remain limited but warrant careful attention due to the potential for spread, especially in high-risk groups.

Kerala highlighted proactive measures in Mpox management as a model for effective containment and targeted interventions. The workshop emphasized the need for continued collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional bodies, international organizations and involvement of local Panchayati Raj institutions to ensure a comprehensive and resilient public health response.

A global outbreak of Mpox, which began in May 2022, continues till date. Following an upsurge of Mpox cases in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries, Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern on 14 August 2024.

Mpox spreads from person-to-person through close contact. The treatment for Mpox focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

WHO is committed to strengthening capacities in Member States to address the evolving Mpox challenge with a focus on equipping stakeholders with the latest evidence and practical tools to improve surveillance, case investigations, and public health management.

Also Read:Mpox remains public health emergency of International concern, says WHO