Punjab forms task force to monitor mpox situation

LAHORE: In response to growing global concerns over the spread of mpox and the emergence of cases in Pakistan, the Punjab government has established a 20-member Technical Working Group (TWG) to monitor the situation in the province. 
Former health minister of Punjab Prof. Javed Akram will head the TWG as chairman, with the health director general serving as co-chairman.
The group comprises health experts and professors from various teaching hospitals across Punjab, who have been tasked with closely monitoring and reviewing the mpox situation in the province, and providing recommendations on prevention, detection, and diagnosis. 
The TWG will also disseminate information and regularly assess clinical management and treatment protocols for mpox patients.
To counter the mpox threat, Pakistan has ramped up measures to prevent the virus from entering the country. Authorities have been directed to enhance testing and screening at all entry points, including airports and border crossings. 
Efforts are also underway to improve testing facilities, ensure the availability of laboratory kits and medicines, and closely monitor all entry points.
As part of these preventive measures, the Punjab government has launched a vaccination campaign targeting airport and medical staff, focusing on personnel at the province's six international airports and as many designated hospitals handling suspected mpox cases. 
Hospitals have been instructed to report any suspected cases to the government immediately, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for airports in Punjab are being finalized.