Multi-Departmental Symposium on Mpox Virus held at AIIMS Jammu

 SAMBA August 24: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jammu, hosted a highly informative and collaborative Multi-Departmental Symposium on Mpox Virus Disease, underscoring the Institution’s commitment to combating emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The event was held at the Convention Centre on August 24, 2024, and was attended by distinguished faculty members, senior and junior residents, nursing officers, and MBBS students from various departments. The Hon’ble Executive Director & CEO of AIIMS Jammu, Prof. Dr Shakti Kumar Gupta, graced the event along with other esteemed guests, including Medical Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Dr Sunil Kant, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal (Retd), and Dean of Examinations, Prof. Saurabh Gupta.

The symposium, organized by the Departments of Microbiology, Community Medicine, Biochemistry, and General Medicine, was aimed at discussing the various aspects of Mpox, an infectious disease that continues to challenge global health systems. The lectures were delivered by the esteemed faculty of AIIMS Jammu, including Dr Manish Ranjan, Assistant Professor of Microbiology, who provided an insightful introduction to the symposium and emphasized the relevance of Mpox in the context of emerging and re-emerging diseases that humanity has faced over the past century.

Dr Prateek Bobhate, Additional Professor of Community Medicine, shed light on the epidemiology, current status, and risk assessment of Mpox, which has now been reported in over 100 countries. Her lecture highlighted the rapid spread of the disease and the necessity of effective communication strategies to manage the associated risks.

The molecular basis of disease pathogenesis and the interaction between the host and the Mpox virus were expertly discussed by Dr Swati Rajput, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. Dr Rajput also explored the research opportunities that this virus presents, encouraging a proactive approach to understanding and combating the disease at a molecular level.

Dr Gaurav Gupta, Associate Professor of General Medicine, provided a comprehensive overview of the approach to managing a suspected case of Mpox. His presentation included recent advances in the management of the disease, preventive strategies, and the crucial role of healthcare providers in the timely and accurate diagnosis of Mpox.

The importance of laboratory diagnosis and infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare facilities was discussed by Dr V. S. Priya, Assistant Professor of Microbiology. Dr Priya emphasized the critical need for robust surveillance strategies, the importance of genetic sequencing for potential viral threats, and the implementation of IPC measures to prevent the spread of the disease within healthcare settings.

One of the key messages of the symposium was the need for vigilance and a high index of suspicion for any imported cases of Mpox. The discussions highlighted the importance of spreading accurate information, removing the stigma associated with the disease at the community level, and ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to respond effectively.

The event was not just a platform for disseminating knowledge but also a call to action. The Hon’ble Executive Director & CEO, Prof. Dr Shakti Kumar Gupta, emphasized the importance of regularly conducting such events to stay ahead of potential infectious threats. He also informed the audience that AIIMS Jammu is poised to play a leadership role in the event of an Mpox outbreak or any other emerging infectious disease, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to public health and safety.

The symposium concluded with a lively Q&A session, moderated by Dr Manish Ranjan, where participants engaged in thoughtful discussions on the topics presented. The event ended with a vote of thanks to the speakers, reaffirming the resolve to foster active participation from all healthcare providers in the fight against infectious diseases.

AIIMS Jammu continues to set the benchmark in medical education and healthcare, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to addressing public health challenges through knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts.