Islamabad: In a proactive measure to curb the spread of Monkeypox, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to enhance screening procedures at all of Pakistan’s airports, seaports, and border crossings. This decision was made during a crucial meeting held in Islamabad today, focusing on the country’s preparedness and response to the Monkeypox outbreak.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif instructed the National Command and Operation Center to closely monitor the Monkeypox situation within the nation and oversee the effectiveness of the current screening systems. He emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous health surveillance and ensuring the availability of necessary testing equipment and kits across all points of entry.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister called for strengthened coordination with the provincial governments, as well as the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to implement a unified strategy against the disease’s spread. He also mandated the initiation of an extensive awareness campaign to educate the public about Monkeypox prevention and symptoms.

Highlighting a recent case, the briefing disclosed that an individual from Mardan, who had been working abroad, tested positive for Monkeypox upon returning to Pakistan, underscoring the need for these reinforced measures.

Prime Minister Sharif also announced that he would personally receive weekly briefings on the situation, signaling the high priority the government is placing on this public health issue.