The Ministry of Health has announced relevant authorities are fully prepared to handle a potential Mpox outbreak. The ministry revealed that it has coordinated with all necessary agencies and that health workers are on high alert.
In response to the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring Mpox a global public health emergency, the Ministry of Health has been proactively preparing for the possibility of cases being reported in the Maldives. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched awareness campaigns targeting health workers, the public, and foreign residents in the country.
Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, Director General of Health Services, informed PSM News that the ministry has established isolation facilities in hospitals and health centers across the islands to ensure readiness for any Mpox cases. Although the WHO has not recommended travel restrictions to curb the outbreak, the Ministry of Health is taking a cautious approach, particularly regarding the reporting of cases from popular tourist markets frequently visited by neighboring countries.
HPA Director of Public Health, Sana Salim, emphasized the importance of maintaining good hygiene while traveling and recommended wearing masks as a preventive measure. She also stressed the need for isolation and prompt medical consultation if symptoms of Mpox appear during travel.
Additionally, Sana announced that efforts are underway to set up a hotline for Mpox cases, allowing individuals to report symptoms and seek guidance from authorities.
According to WHO guidelines, the Maldives is classified as a low to moderate risk country for an Mpox outbreak. However, the Ministry of Health urges continued vigilance as this classification could change with an increase in cases reported from other countries.
Mpox, typically mild but potentially fatal in rare cases, spreads through close contact and is characterized by flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body.