"Monkeypox" in Pakistan (Part-I)

Some characteristics and strategies

‘Monkeypox” that is now called “mpox” to avoid stigmatization, is a viral disease that is primarily found in certain regions of Central and West Africa. Although it is considered less severe than its close relative, smallpox, monkeypox can still pose significant health risks, especially in areas where the population has little or no prior exposure to the virus. The impact of monkeypox on the global South, including Pakistan, could be significant due to several factors. A few of them are given below:

Disease Spread

Monkeypox is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or through human-to-human transmission. In areas with limited healthcare infrastructure and resources, controlling the spread of the disease can be challenging. If appropriate preventive measures are not taken, monkeypox could potentially spread within the local community and to other regions in Pakistan, increasing the number of cases.

Vulnerable Population

Countries in the global South, including Pakistan, often have densely populated areas with limited access to healthcare services. These conditions can make it difficult to identify and treat cases promptly, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission. Additionally, malnutrition, poor sanitation, and other underlying health issues prevalent in certain regions can weaken individuals' immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe monkeypox infections.

Lack of Immunity

Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is similar to but distinct from the smallpox virus. Smallpox was eradicated globally through vaccination efforts, but routine vaccination against monkeypox is not common outside of endemic regions. Consequently, individuals in the global South, including Pakistan, may have little or no preexisting immunity to monkeypox, increasing the potential for widespread infections.

Economic Impact

An outbreak of monkeypox could have economic implications for the affected region, including Pakistan. The measures taken to control the spread of the disease, such as quarantine, travel restrictions, and public health interventions, may disrupt normal economic activities. Additionally, the fear of infection could lead to reduced tourism, trade, and business activities, impacting the local economy.

A Way of Conclusion

To mitigate the impact of monkeypox, it is crucial for Pakistani health authorities to swiftly respond to the reported case in Karachi. This response should include surveillance, contact tracing, isolation and treatment of affected individuals, public awareness campaigns, and vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations. International collaboration and support from organizations such as the World Health Organization can also aid in controlling the spread of the disease and minimizing its impact on the global South, including Pakistan.