Collaborative surveillance key to strengthening public health response to Mpox
December 9, 2024
India has bolstered its Mpox preparedness through a collaborative workshop led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the World Health Organization (WHO) on 4 December 2024. Key stakeholders, including national health agencies and research institutions, discussed strategies for surveillance, diagnostics, and clinical management. Kerala’s proactive containment measures were highlighted as a best-practice model. With Mpox cases rising globally, including outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, India’s integrated public health response leverages partnerships with community organizations and international bodies. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting countries with evidence-based tools for effective outbreak control and health system resilience.
India is enhancing its readiness against Mpox through a comprehensive multisectoral response aimed at strengthening public health systems. On 4 December 2024, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), convened a national workshop chaired by Director General of Health Services Prof. Atul Goel and WHO Representative to India Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin. The event united officials from health agencies, research institutes, and medical organizations to develop a coordinated Mpox response.
Discussions focused on surveillance advancements, genomic tracking, wastewater monitoring, and clinical management. Emphasis was placed on integrating Mpox response efforts with India’s existing healthcare infrastructure, particularly the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), to reach high-risk populations through community-based organizations. Kerala’s proactive Mpox containment strategy was presented as a best-practice model, emphasizing localized interventions guided by real-time data.
India’s collaborative approach aligns with global efforts as Mpox remains a pressing health concern, with significant outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. The WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency of international concern on 14 August 2024, underscoring the need for coordinated international action.
India’s multisectoral response includes partnerships with non-governmental organizations, professional medical associations, and local governing bodies such as Panchayati Raj institutions. This integrated strategy strengthens India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging health threats.
WHO reaffirmed its support for countries addressing Mpox through capacity building, evidence-based guidance, and improved tools for surveillance and case management. India’s proactive measures serve as a model for leveraging national and international cooperation to strengthen public health systems and combat future outbreaks effectively.