Health Ministry Prepares for Potential Mpox Outbreak

The Ministry of Health has announced that authorities are fully prepared to manage a potential outbreak of Mpox, coordinating with relevant agencies and placing healthcare workers on high alert.

In response to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of Mpox as a global public health emergency, the ministry has been proactively readying for possible cases in the Maldives. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has initiated awareness campaigns aimed at healthcare professionals, the public, and foreign residents.

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Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, Director General of Health Services, informed PSM News that isolation facilities have been set up in hospitals and health centres across the islands, ensuring readiness in the event of an Mpox case. Although the WHO has not called for travel restrictions, the Ministry of Health is taking a cautious stance, especially concerning cases reported from major tourist markets frequently visited by neighbouring countries.

HPA’s Director of Public Health, Sana Salim, highlighted the importance of good hygiene practices while travelling, recommending mask-wearing as a preventive measure. She also stressed the need for immediate isolation and medical consultation if symptoms of Mpox arise during travel.

Sana further revealed that efforts are underway to establish a dedicated hotline for reporting Mpox symptoms and seeking guidance from authorities.

While the WHO has classified the Maldives as a low to moderate risk for an Mpox outbreak, the Ministry of Health continues to urge vigilance, noting that the situation could change if cases rise in other countries.

Mpox, generally mild but occasionally fatal, spreads through close contact and presents with flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions.