Health Authorities Mum on Monkeypox Cases Linked to Saudi Arabia as Umrah Season Approaches

M. Waqar Bhatti:

Despite the detection of four confirmed monkeypox cases from individuals recently returning from Saudi Arabia, Pakistani health authorities have refrained from issuing a travel advisory, raising concerns among public health experts.

These cases, involving individuals who had travelled to perform Umrah, emerged over the past few weeks, yet officials have been reluctant to name Saudi Arabia or warn the public about potential risks.PM Calls for Enhanced Monkeypox Screening

Even the Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHS, R&C) which notifies Mpox cases exerts pressure on health journalists not to report Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the recent cases.

This has sparked concerns about transparency and the safety of the thousands of Pakistani citizens who continue to travel to the Kingdom for religious purposes.

Local health officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where all four cases were detected upon arrival from Saudi Arabia, have reportedly urged the federal government to issue a travel advisory.

“Local transmission of monkeypox has started in Saudi Arabia, and people who are performing Umrah are returning to Pakistan with the infection. It is critical that we issue a travel advisory to protect our citizens,” a senior health department official stated.

Criticism has also been levelled at the World Health Organization (WHO) for not taking a more proactive stance.

KP Health officials argue that the WHO is failing in its responsibilities under International Health Regulations by not addressing the apparent outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

They have called on the WHO to fulfil its global obligations, warning that the influx of international pilgrims increases the risk of further spread.

The recent cases, involving individuals who travelled for Umrah, have highlighted the urgency of the situation.

“Based on reported cases, local transmission of monkeypox in Saudi Arabia appears imminent. We urge that this issue be addressed with Saudi Arabian authorities to prevent local spread and mitigate public health risks,” another health official said. The official also called for the establishment of a surveillance system at Saudi airports to monitor and contain the spread of the virus.

As health concerns mount, the lack of an official response from Pakistani authorities continues to leave the public in the dark, with fears growing over potential outbreaks amidst ongoing international travel.