<p>The recent emergence of Mpox cases in Sindh, including incidents in Khairpur and Karachi, as well as in Lahore, has once again brought into focus a critical question: how prepared is Pakistan to respond to emerging infectious threats?</p><p>The experience of COVID-19 remains fresh. When it hit Pakistan, it brought the nation to a standstill. Tens of thousands died, and many others continue to live with long-term health complications. The pandemic served as a stark wake-up call regarding the country's health infrastructure, disaster management, and public health education. While national, provincial governments, international health organisations, and public-private partnerships have worked extensively to strengthen the healthcare system, the journey remains far from complete. Evolving viruses, climate change, drug resistance, population growth, and the rapid spread of misinformation all place significant strain on a system that is already stretched thin.</p><p>Mpox, a viral disease transmitted through close contact, is far less contagious than COVID-19 but still demands vigilance. Early detection, isolation of suspected cases, and timely contact tracing remain the cornerstones of controlling its spread. Any indication of local transmission should trigger immediate and coordinated response mechanisms.</p><p>The recent Mpox situation highlights the urgent need for collaborative healthcare responses. In late March 2026, Karachi reported two confirmed cases, one of which suggested possible local transmission. More concerningly, a suspected outbreak in Khairpur tragically resulted in the deaths of seven newborn children. In response, the Sindh Health Department requested the Aga Khan University Hospital laboratory to provide priority diagnostic testing. The AKUH Laboratory confirmed Mpox infection in four of the seven infants, playing a central role in the rapid verification of the outbreak.</p><p>Beyond diagnostics, managing a public health crisis requires addressing panic with facts. To ensure timely awareness and medical clarity, the Aga Khan University Hospital recently organised a media roundtable featuring infectious disease experts Dr Faisal Mahmood and Dr Fatima Mir. Initiatives such as these set a precedent for proactive communication, ensuring that healthcare leaders step forward to guide public understanding, dispel myths, and inform authorities before misinformation can take hold.</p><p>In countries such as Pakistan, proactive and adaptive approaches are essential. Strengthening health screening at international entry points, expanding environmental surveillance, and encouraging public participation in health campaigns are vital steps to keep viral transmission in check. While resources may be limited, innovative monitoring and strategic communication can help maximise the effectiveness of existing infrastructure.</p><p>As the global environment continues to evolve, it is imperative to maintain robust and responsive surveillance systems. Pakistan must ensure that its healthcare networks are resilient enough to protect the public from emerging infectious threats.</p><p>Mpox is not a test of fear; it is a test of function. The question is not whether Pakistan will face emerging infections, but whether its systems can detect, respond to, and contain them effectively. Sustained investment in public health infrastructure, coupled with credible communication, will determine the answer.</p><p><strong>About the Author: </strong><a href="/pakistan/patientservices/pages/profiles.aspx?ProfileID=202&Name=Ali%20Faisal%20Saleem&page=findadoctor">Dr Ali Faisal Saleem</a>, Associate Professor and Vice Chair, <a href="/pakistan/Health-Services/department-of-paediatrics/Pages/default.aspx">Department of Paediatrics and Child Health</a>.
</p><p>Note: This article was originally published in <a href="https://jang.com.pk/news/1577145">Jang</a>.
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