Mpox threatens Yemen, government gears up for potential risks

The Yemeni government announced yesterday that it has heightened its readiness to combat Mpox amidst potential risks of the disease spreading to the country, DPA reported.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Health noted that a broad health meeting was convened, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Primary Health Care, Ali Al-Walidi, to discuss the latest developments regarding monkeypox, following the emergence of cases in some African countries and the associated fears of the epidemic reaching Yemen.

During the meeting, Al-Walidi emphasised the need for a unified effort to boost preparedness and health vigilance against the potential risks of Mpox.

He highlighted the importance of developing a joint plan involving all relevant departments within the Ministry of Public Health and Population.

The plan includes several key areas, such as establishing a standard definition for Mpox cases in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, preparing treatment protocols, intensifying health education and awareness efforts and enhancing the readiness of isolation wards. The plan also calls for increased epidemic surveillance, improving the readiness of central laboratories, and activating monitoring at entry points and among illegal migrants who might pose a risk of transmitting the disease.

This comes as Yemen’s health sector continues to deteriorate, with diseases and epidemics spreading throughout the country, which has been engulfed in war for nearly a decade.

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