ANN/THE STAR – The country will receive mpox vaccines distributed through the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, said Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
“We will take delivery of ‘Tecovirimat Antiviral (TPOXX) and MVA-BN vaccine for mpox,” said the minister in two brief X posts on Monday.
“TPOXX is used in the treatment of mpox, especially those who have acute infection and weak immunity system,” added Dzulkefly.
Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin last Tuesday also announced that the republic’s government has ordered thousands of doses of mpox vaccines from Denmark to prevent the illness’ spread, amid escalating global concern over the viral infection.
The World Health Organization has declared that an outbreak of mpox, a viral infection that spreads through close contact, represents a global health emergency for the second time in two years.
Dr Dzulkelfy had earlier announced that the Health Ministry, working with operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd to tighten screenings for travellers entering through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to mitigate the risk of mpox transmission.
The government had activated a special operations room from August 16 at the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre to monitor and prevent any possible spread of mpox in coordination with other ASEAN countries.
