Mpox awareness campaign was launched at Mawlamyine Airport under the supervision of the Mon State Government, according to a local parahita association.
Screening started for Mpox prevention and health education for passengers on the arriving flights at the airport in Mawlamyine on 23 August.
Under the supervision of the Mon State Government, the Public Health Department, the General Administration Department of Mawlamyine Township, relevant departments, Township Red Cross Society, and Bo Bo Win Emergency Relief Team have jointly participated in the awareness programme.
As the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14 August 2024, according to the procedures of the Ministry of Health (MOH), all passengers arriving in Myanmar must fill out health declaration forms and submit them to the relevant ministerial staff before passing through immigration counters.
The first case of Mpox infection was found in Myanmar’s neighbouring Thailand, and the infected person was a European tourist who came to Thailand from Africa on 14 August.
Since Mpox is contagious from humans to humans and it has already reached our neighbouring country, it can spread into Myanmar at any time. So, the Kyaikto health department has started taking preventive measures, collecting protective equipment and preparing clinical treatment location, while people are urged to report immediately to the health authorities if they find a suspicious patient. – MT/ZN
(Photo: Bo Bo Win Emergency Relief Team)
