Federal govt trains health workers for mpox prevention 

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to launch a series of measures to effectively prevent the spread of mpox in the country, including training both health and non-health workers and monitoring major airports. 
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations. Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub and other relevant officials from the Health Ministry were also present.
The meeting was informed that one case of Mpox Clade-II had been detected in the country, with another suspected case testing negative. Authorities stressed that while there is no cause for alarm, the government is taking all necessary precautions to prevent any escalation.
The meeting also reviewed the status of scanners at major airports, which are fully operational and aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) standard operating procedures (SOPs). 
The screening and surveillance system is considered highly effective and is being closely monitored daily to safeguard public health against potential epidemics.
Federal Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub said the Border Health Services team has implemented comprehensive preventive measures against mpox, stressing the need for maintaining strict health protocols and reviewing the screening system for incoming travelers.
Expressing his satisfaction with the situation regarding mpox in Pakistan, he said: “We have established an effective screening system at airports, utilizing thermal scanners per WHO recommendations.” 
He said the ongoing training for health workers is essential to prepare them for any potential threats, adding that the health ministry is overseeing the situation to ensure that all preventive measures are rigorously enforced.
Following the meeting, under the health coordinator’s directions, the secretary visited Peshawar Airport to evaluate the ongoing surveillance measures and met with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), doctors, and other medical personnel to review and discuss essential health protocols.