Saint Lucia is ramping up efforts against mpox after the World Health Organization declared it a global public health emergency.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, said that Saint Lucia has proactively established coordinated surveillance systems. Efforts to strengthen surveillance are in response to WHO’s urgent call for global action. The systems will help facilitate early detection and management of potential mpox cases across the island.
The Ministry of Health has heightened vigilance across the island, from ports of entry to schools and workplaces. Additionally, Officials are also sensitizing healthcare workers and briefing key stakeholders, including the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), the tourism sector, and the education sector.
Furthermore, while mass vaccination is not recommended, the government plans to fund preparedness and response efforts. Saint Lucia can conduct mpox testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and aims to expand testing capacity.
The Ministry of Health urges citizens to avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain hand hygiene, seek medical attention if symptoms arise, and avoid contaminated materials. Also, the Ministry launched a communication plan to combat misinformation.
Source: St. Lucia Times
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In-article Photo credit: St Lucia Times.
