2024-08-16 03:29:29
The Ministry of Health intensifies efforts in the face of the new declaration of International Public Health Emergency due to Mpox
This decision, taken following the recent session of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee on 14 August 2024, underlines the urgency of addressing the potential international spread of this genetic variant of the virus.
The WHO statement reflects global concern about the potential for expansion of Mpox clade I, which may require a coordinated international response to prevent its spread. Although this variant has not yet been documented in the Americas region, including Colombia, The international alert generates a call for vigilance and preparation by health authorities.
In Colombia, since the beginning of the Mpox outbreak in 2022, 4,257 confirmed cases have been recordedwith a notable increase during the first declaration of PHEIC in 2022, attributed to clade II. For 2024, 109 cases have been confirmed until August 8, with 2 active cases and no reported deaths. The most affected cities this year are Bogotá with 44 cases, followed by Cali (22), Barranquilla (13), Medellín (11) and Atlántico (5).
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Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to the surveillance and control of Mpox: “Colombia remains committed to the surveillance and control of Mpox, working hand in hand with international recommendations to protect the health of all our citizens. We will maintain our prevention and response actions to prevent the spread of the virus.”
At the national level, the Ministry of Health has implemented a series of actions to address this situation. Among them, the following stand out:
Strengthening communications specific risk factors, to keep the population and health personnel informed about the current situation and preventive measures.
Coordination with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to ensure the availability of vaccines if necessary.
Intensification of public health surveillancewith a special focus on exanthematous diseases and capacity building for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of Mpox.
Strengthening laboratory capacities and genomics of the National Institute of Health (INS), to ensure continuous and accurate surveillance of the virus in the country.
Likewise, Health Care Providers (IPS), Benefit Plan Administration Companies (EAPB) and territorial health entities are called upon to increase actions for promotion, prevention and early detection of the disease.
You can read: WHO declares health emergency due to Mpox outbreak