The Health Department of Balochistan has raised a high alert across the province, focusing on borders, entry and exit routes, and airports due to the increasing threat of monkeypox. This move aims to prevent the virus from spreading within the region.
The health Director General (DG) instructed district health officers (DHOs) in key areas, including Quetta, Kech, Gwadar, Hub, Chaman, and Chagai, to monitor these critical transit points closely. These locations play a significant role in controlling any potential spread of the virus, making them essential for heightened surveillance.
The Health Department’s letter urged officials to closely monitor all entrance points in border districts. The authorities also issued high alerts for airports and crucial border areas like Gwadar, Turbat, Chaman, and Taftan. They directed officials at these entry points to stay vigilant and report any suspected monkeypox cases immediately. By acting swiftly, officials can help protect the people of Balochistan and contain any possible outbreak before it spreads.
Pakistan Steps Up Efforts to Prevent Monkeypox
Pakistan has intensified its efforts to prevent monkeypox from entering the country, responding to growing global concerns about the virus. In a recent high-level meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the current monkeypox situation and the country’s preparedness. During the meeting, officials briefed him on the preventive measures being implemented at all entry points, including airports, borders, and hospitals.
The Prime Minister ordered authorities to enhance testing and screening procedures, ensuring early identification and isolation of potential cases. He also emphasized the importance of increasing the availability of testing laboratories, lab kits, and related medicines to manage any potential outbreak.
Also Read: Mpox Declared a Public Health Emergency in Africa
Senior officials from all provinces, representatives from the National Institute of Health, and members of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) participated in the meeting. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of the country’s readiness to prevent a monkeypox outbreak, issuing directives to strengthen the nation’s defenses against the virus. By taking these proactive measures, Pakistan aims to protect its citizens from the potential threat of monkeypox.