Preparedness of South East Asia countries in view of monkeypox emergence: A call for action

Demographic, transmission, and clinical characteristics associated with human monkeypox infection, October 2022: a systematic analysis for World Health Organization database and brief review

“…The lesions on the skin commence flat, then fill with fluid before they crust over, and finally dry up and detach with a fresh layer of skin forming underneath. [9] Most people recover from MPX within a few weeks, without the need of treatment. [10] Infection persists until a new layer of skin has been formed underneath.…”

Improving health system access and preparedness in Afghanistan to minimize potential impact of monkeypox: a call for action

“…Afghanistan is a low-income country with a weak healthcare system and significant displacement crisis. This makes communicable disease control difficult, and leaves the country vulnerable to MPX outbreaks 5 , 6 . Thus, the country and international stakeholders must be primed with a preparedness plan around healthcare access that could minimize the impact of any potential MPX outbreak.…”

“…Policymakers and healthcare providers should raise public awareness of MPX signs and symptoms encourage reporting of suspected cases to a health facility, and provide training to healthcare workers to recognize cases and provide sensitive and appropriate advice. Isolation of suspected cases, contract tracing and surveillance, and ring vaccination protocols can help to curb the virus spread 6 , and thus guidance on disease control should be openly available to healthcare workers and public health teams. As witnessed during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, preparedness around early containment protocols and public awareness, can prove vital in alleviating a health crisis 10 .…”

Preparedness of Pakistan in view of monkeypox emergence: a call for action

“…Although no cases have been detected in Pakistan so far, neighbouring countries like India, reported 12 cases and one death due to MPX, as of 5 September 2022 1 . Further outbreaks in the WHO South East Asia region have been reported since 18 August 2022, and thus the risk of an outbreak of MPX in Pakistan must be taken seriously 2 . As a low-middle-income country with a weak healthcare system, still battling diseases like polio, Pakistan must be prepared with a practical approach and action plan to tackle this potential outbreak of MPX 3 .…”