The Serum Institute of India (SII) has actively begun developing a vaccine for Mpox in response to the recent designation of the disease as a "public health emergency of international concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO on August 14 declared Mpox a global health emergency following a significant increase in Mpox cases across several African countries.
An NDTV Profit report quoted SII Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla a saying, "In view of the global health emergency declared due to the Mpox outbreak, Serum Institute of India is working diligently on a vaccine to protect millions of lives potentially at risk."
He added, "We hope to provide more updates and positive news within a year."
In India, concerns have risen as several passengers arriving from Pakistan and Bangladesh have reported symptoms of Mpox. Taking cognizance of the development, the central government issued a directive on August 19 for heightened vigilance at airports, ports, and borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan. Authorities have been instructed to monitor international travellers for Mpox symptoms.
Following a review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the Union Health Ministry, too, issued guidelines to enhance readiness at healthcare centres to tackle any event of Mpox spread in the country. Airports, seaports, and ground crossings are being equipped to handle potential cases, and 32 laboratories are being prepared to detect, isolate, and manage Mpox cases.
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