The Ministry of Health has conducted fever with vesicular rash surveillance and laboratory tests at the National Health Laboratory (Yangon), Public Health Departments and general hospitals in Nay Pyi Taw, regions and states since the WHO declared a multi-country outbreak of Mpox in May 2022.
The WHO declared Mpox PHEIC (public health emergency of international concern) on 14 August 2024. The ministry accelerated mass thermal screening, an inspection of the health declaration form of arrivals and awareness on Mpox at the Yangon International Airport, Mandalay International Airport (TadaU), entry and exit of Myawady in Kayin State and Mwaytaw Island in Kawthoung in Taninthayi Region.
Although there are significantly fewer chances that Myanmar will have Mpox, according to WHO, the ministry has conducted public health awareness programmes, preventive measures, surveillance, and control programmes in advance. — MNA/KTZH
