Bridging the Preparedness Gap: Strengthening Mpox Diagnostic and Management Capacity Among Healthcare Workers in Pakistan

Abstract

Healthcare workers play a crucial role in disease surveillance and outbreak response, so it is essential to make sure they're prepared to handle new illnesses like Mpox. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, a key component of successful containment is readiness through sufficient training and awareness. For prompt case detection and containment, a thorough grasp of Mpox's clinical symptoms is essential.1 A recent study that was published in the Journal of Pakistan Association of Dermatologists reveals alarming gaps in Pakistani healthcare providers' diagnostic expertise and clinical Management about Mpox. Only 15% felt very confident in diagnosing and managing the Mpox cases. These results align with more general national and global patterns. Also a cross-sectional survey carried out in Rawalpindi showed only a few physicians had a good understanding of Mpox, while a sizable fraction indicated insufficient institutional readiness and a lack of established protocols. 2 3 Similar gaps in knowledge have been reported worldwide. Only 26% of HCWs had sufficient knowledge on mpox, according to a comprehensive review and meta-analysis, with even lower levels seen among less seasoned professionals. These results recommended that training programs should be designed with younger HCWs with less healthcare experience in mind. Furthermore, it is crucial to find strategies on how to improve the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare workers around the world regarding illness .