Intra-action review on mpox preparedness and response in Nepal held

Dhulikhel, Bagmati Province - The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and WHO Country Office for Nepal organized a two-day program to review and reflect on mpox preparedness and response from 21-22 February. Participants included MoHP officials; focal dermatologists and laboratory professionals identified for mpox detection and response; officials from the provincial public health laboratories; and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport and the Hotel Association of Nepal. On the first day, participants evaluated Nepal’s preparedness and response measures for mpox in an intra-action review (IAR) meeting – one of the components of the International Health Regulations - Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (IHR-MEF). Participants conducted the review based on five technical areas – case detection; clinical management and infection prevention and control; laboratory confirmation; coordination and logistics; and risk communication and community engagement. On the second day, an interaction session was held with focal clinicians responsible for case management, covering aspects such as identification, sample collection and case management. Over the two days, participants discussed and documented key challenges, best practices and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of sustaining effective strategies. This documentation provided the MoHP with a robust foundation for updating the strategic mpox preparedness and response plan. WHO will now support the MoHP to strengthen the preparedness and response capacity for mpox based on the recommendations from the meeting. This effort was supported by The Pandemic Fund. Mpox is an ongoing public health emergency of international concern, and three cases have been detected as of February 2025 in Nepal.