KRG Ministry of Health confirms no suspected Mpox cases, heightens vigilance
The ministry assured citizens that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully prepared to respond if necessary.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Ministry of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has confirmed that there are currently no suspected cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in the Kurdistan Region.
The ministry assured citizens that it is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully prepared to respond if necessary.
Health Minister Saman Barzanji recently convened a meeting with the Directorate of Preventive Health Affairs, relevant departments, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) to discuss the global spread of monkeypox, which has now been reported in approximately 25 countries.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the meeting emphasized the importance of establishing a joint high-level committee, known as One Health, between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.
This committee will focus on preventing the outbreak and spread of monkeypox and other zoonotic diseases in the region.
The ministry also outlined plans to launch public health campaigns to raise awareness among citizens and tourists.
These initiatives will include media campaigns, the dissemination of health messages, and the provision of laboratory tests in collaboration with the WHO.
Relevant authorities will be informed of these measures as part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard public health.
Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has declared a state of emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several other African countries to curb the spread of monkeypox.
Based on infection and transmission statistics from affected regions, the WHO has reverted to its 2005 health guidelines and declared a nationwide health emergency.
Committees assessing the situation in Congo and other African countries have expressed concerns about the rapid spread of a new strain of monkeypox.
The situation in eastern Congo and neighboring countries is particularly alarming, with the WHO stressing the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent the outbreak from spiraling out of control.
Minister Barzanji assured the public that the Kurdistan Region remains vigilant. "We are fully prepared and will inform the public immediately should the situation change," the ministry's statement read.
Monkeypox, a contagious viral disease first identified in humans in the 1970s, originated in Central and West Africa and has since seen sporadic outbreaks globally.
