Submission ID 116759
| Issue/Objective | The most recent mpox outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 14, 2024. While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) reported ~14,000 cases, mpox spreaded to new areas such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. In this scenario, WHO advised a coordinated international response, advising countries to bolster surveillance, contract tracing, public health communication, and resource mobilization. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study analyzes the immediate public health measures taken by Bangladesh's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in response to this mpox outbreak. The DGHS, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), undertook several key measures in August 2024 that included: Enhanced Surveillance: Comprehensive health screenings at all major airports (Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet) with international flight routes using thermal scanners were implemented to detect fever. Passengers showing any signs (skin lesions or fever) of the virus would be immediately transferred to one of several designated hospitals, including Kurmitola General Hospital, Kuwait Maitree Hospital, and the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Community Awareness and Stigma Prevention: DGHS underlined the importance of clear communication to prevent misinformation and reduce stigma. This included engaging communities early to promote understanding and compliance with health guidelines. A special hotline (16263/10655) was introduced for reporting potential cases and providing health information. |
| Results | The introduction of health desks by DGHS at airports and continuous engagement with airlines travelers helped prevent undetected cases from entering the country. Furthermore, Public education efforts contributed to curbing stigma around mpox. However, challenges remained, mainly due to porous land borders and political volatility arising from a revolution in early August. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Despite political challenges, Bangladesh implemented a timely public health response to the mpox outbreak, learning from the Covid-19 pandemic. Surveillance at airports, and deployment of dedicated hotlines were central activities of its preparedness for mpox at the initial stage. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Monzur Patwary Emory University Naimul Islam FHI 360 |
