36 instances have been documented since the sickness was discovered in late September, according to statistics from the health ministry.

“This is part of our efforts to help people recover quickly by utilising vaccines and medicines specifically developed to fight this outbreak, currently in the final phase of research,” the minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, told Reuters.

“We are collaborating with the pharmaceutical companies that developed these, alongside the World Health Organization, to expedite the process through multilateral collaboration.”

In order to expedite access to vaccination and treatment doses for trials, the WHO stated that it was collaborating with the government and had convened a conference of industrial, academic, and government partners.

During the Marburg outbreaks, it granted ethical permission for these kinds of experiments and stated that obtaining a comparable approval from the Rwandan government was the next critical step. According to an email from a spokesman, the funds has also been released by the WHO, the Canadian government, and the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) of the European Union.

WHO has assessed four vaccine candidates for possible use in trials, but only one—produced by the nonprofit Sabin Vaccine Institute—had results from preliminary human studies demonstrating safety and eliciting an immune response. Because of the hazards, it is not possible to test the vaccinations further outside of outbreak situations.

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Attendees at the event included the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; several Ministers; Members of Parliament; the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mrs K. Nandini Singla; the Acting Deputy Director General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Development, Miss Eman Al- Abdulrazzak; the Director General of Loan Operations Department from Saudi Fund for Development, Mr Abdula Al Saeef; Lady Sarojini Jugnauth; and other eminent personalities.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Jugnauth noted that the inauguration of the SAJ Hospital, the largest in the Indian Ocean, represents a significant milestone for Mauritius, reflecting Government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare. He pointed out Government’s commitment to delivering advanced healthcare services through modern infrastructure and well-trained personnel but nevertheless encouraged citizens to maintain their health through regular physical exercise.

Moreover, the Prime Minister paid tribute to late SAJ, acknowledging his role in diversifying the Mauritian economy and creating new sectors. He spoke about SAJ’s belief in social justice and the principle that there should be no disparity between town and village. Mr Jugnauth also announced plans for further developments, including Phase 2 of the project, which will cost approximately Rs 1.7 billion and serve as Mauritius’ first training hospital.

Speaking about financial assistance offered to the population, Prime Minister Jugnauth also declared that investments are being made to improve the quality of life. On this note, he seized the opportunity to announce that the Pay Research Bureau’s report, expected in December 2025, will be implemented as from January 2025, with civil servants receiving a one-year arrears payment by the end of next year.

For his part, Minister Jagutpal stressed that the SAJ Hospital stands as a tribute to late Sir Anerood Jugnauth, whose leadership was pivotal in driving economic change in Mauritius. He reassured that the hospital will feature not only modern infrastructure but also high-quality medical services. Highlighting that the hospital will be equipped with advanced technology and staffed by well-trained personnel, Minister Jagutpal assured that the healthcare needs of the population will be effectively addressed.

Furthermore, the Health Minister detailed the specific medical facilities and equipment that will be provided and underscored Government’s commitment to comprehensive and state-of-the-art care. He thus reminded that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Government has intensified its focus on various sectors, with special attention to healthcare. He also spoke about the strategies and measures implemented during the pandemic to protect public health and ensure that the healthcare system remained robust.

It is recalled that phases 1 and 2 of the project are funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and the Saudi Fund for Development, amounting to around Rs 4.3 billion. The first phase alone has been allocated Rs 2.6 billion, highlighting the strong partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Mauritius. This phase will establish a hospital that provides advanced and comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Mauritius.

The SAJ Hospital features a ground floor and six additional levels, offering approximately 500 beds for hospitalised patients. It will provide advanced medical services with CT scans, MRI, X-rays, fluoroscopy, mammography, and panoramic X-rays. The hospital includes 10 operation rooms, of which four are currently operational, and has a capacity of 60 ICU beds. A designated area for stroke rehabilitation is also available, along with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, nursery, and Special Baby Care Unit for infants. Moreover, 35 dialysis machines will support around 100 dialysis treatments per day.

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At a news briefing, Swedish health experts stated that the individual contracted the clade Ib kind of mpox, which is responsible for the current outbreak, while travelling in Africa. The patient is undergoing medical care.

Given the intensity and extent of the outbreak in Africa, Dr. Brian Ferguson of the University of Cambridge noted that while the case involving a Swedish traveler was worrying, it was not surprising.

“The emergence of a case on the European continent could spur rapid international spread of mpox,” stated Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. professor and public health specialist Lawrence Gostin. “A case in Sweden most likely means dozens of undetected cases in Europe.” “There will likely be more here and in other parts of the world as there are currently no mechanisms in place to stop imported cases of mpox happening,” he said.

Following the spread of infections from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighboring countries, the WHO on Wednesday designated the African outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern, or PHEIC. The WHO’s highest level of alert is a PHEIC.

According to the British news agency Reuters, the international vaccination organization Gavi has up to $500 million to spend on providing vaccinations to nations impacted by the spreading mpox outbreak in Africa.

According to representatives from the United States and Canada, no instances have been found thus far.

Mpox in Pakistan

Pakistan has reported three cases of mpox in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two days after the World Health Organization designated the mpox epidemic as a public health emergency of worldwide significance.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) of the nation has released a recommendation for countermeasures against the illness, according to Dawn. According to the report, it’s likely that each incidence represents an old variety.

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The meeting centred on exploring collaborations between the organisation and the Ministry in trade facilitation, emphasising mutual commitment to bolstering economic ties and fostering opportunities for growth. The aim is to enhance trade activities and create a conducive environment for bilateral trade.

Key initiatives discussed included developing a global platform for Cooperatives and SMEs to compete internationally, promoting agro-products and modern agricultural techniques, and advancing renewable energy solutions, particularly in solar energy. These collaborative efforts are set to strengthen trade relations and drive mutual economic growth.

GOPIO, founded in New York in 1989, has grown into one of the largest and most influential diaspora organisations worldwide, making substantial contributions to strengthening India-US relations and empowering the Indian diaspora. In Mauritius, GOPIO has played an important role in fostering connections among the French-speaking Indian diaspora and India since its inception. Since 2003, GOPIO Mauritius has organised the PIO Dialogue with India, an event that attracts hundreds of delegates from around the globe.

Furthermore, GOPIO Mauritius has been pivotal in hosting the GOPIO Francophone Summit since 2009, which serves to enhance ties between Girmitiyas from Overseas French territories such as Reunion and Guadeloupe with India. The organisation has also collaborated on significant events, including the 6th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and an International Conference marking key milestones in Mauritian and global history.

In addition to these initiatives, GOPIO Mauritius annually commemorates events like Gandhi Jayanti and Aapravasi Divas, underscoring its dedication to preserving and celebrating the cultural and historical heritage of the diaspora community.

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Attendees at the inauguration ceremony included the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Soomilduth Bholah; the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mohammud Zahid Nazurally; the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Sanjit Kumar Nuckcheddy; and other personalities.

The extended Bramsthan Area Health Centre spans 790m² and encompasses essential departments including pharmacy, medical records, pre-natal and post-natal clinics, a waiting room, dental clinic, and a family planning unit.  It will feature various medical services such as psychiatric care, occupational health, nutritionist consultations, and health promotion, alongside specialised care such as breast cancer detection, vaccination programmes, obstetrics and gynaecology clinics, and comprehensive antenatal follow-ups.

In his address, the Minister of Health and Wellness underlined that the health sector remained steadfastly positioned at the forefront of priority areas as part of Government’s dedicated efforts to elevate the quality of life. He talked as well of the significant responsibility of the population in maintaining good health through the adoption of positive habits.

Moreover, Minister Jagutpal underscored the importance of expanding the regional health centre, noting its current utilisation by approximately 5,000 residents. “This new facility meets the standards of a modern healthcare system and aligns with Government’s vision for high-quality health services in Mauritius,” he stressed.

On this note, Dr Jagutpal urged community collaboration with the health service, highlighting Government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across Mauritius. He also outlined plans for organising various activities at the health centre aimed at educating on, and safeguarding children and adolescents from, harmful substances and diseases.

For his part, Minister Bholah lauded Government’s significant investments in the health sector, encouraging the population to take full advantage of the new facilities.  “It is crucial for individuals to undergo early testing and regular check-ups, not only to treat diseases but also to primarily prevent them,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Bholah reaffirmed that Government’s priorities spanned beyond healthcare to include sectors such as education, agriculture, social security, and road infrastructure, all geared towards enhancing the quality of life of the population.

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The Computed Tomography Coronary Angiogram was acquired by the Government at the cost of Rs 53 million and the Cardiac MRI, for a sum of Rs 93 million.

In his address, the Health Minister dwelt on the prevailing situation of cardiovascular disease and cancer in Mauritius, underlining that the three leading causes of death are diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

He pointed out that as per the National Cancer Registry Report, in 2022 some 3,200 new cancer cases were recorded (1400 among men and 1800 among women), and more than 1,500 deaths were attributed to cancer. He added that that overall cancer incidence rate has risen by 11.7 % compared to 2021, further indicating that in 2023, 6,485 angiographies were performed at regional hospitals and at the Cardiac Centre, including 1,045 open heart surgeries.

At the level of the Government, we are doing our level best in terms of prevention but also on the curative side, assured Dr Jagutpal.

Speaking about the provision of these new services by the National Cancer Centre, Minister Jagutpal qualified it as a significant leap forward in his Ministry’s mission to improve patient outcomes, introduce lesser invasive procedures, reduce waiting time, enhance diagnostic capacities and deliver quality care and treatment for patients.

He informed that the CT Scanner currently under use is the most powerful of its kind in Mauritius and is capable of performing a coronary CT in only 0.45 seconds, which he said, not only reduces the discomfort and anxiety for patients but also ensures that the clearest and most detailed and high-resolution images possible are obtained. The Minister emphasised that these will allow doctors to visualise the coronary arteries with unprecedented clarity, enabling them to detect blockages and other abnormalities with precision.

As for using coronary CT angiogram or “virtual angiogram”, Dr Jagutpal remarked that it will significantly alleviate the waiting list for angiographies which stands at an average of six weeks presently. By offering a non-invasive alternative supported by international guidelines, we are aligning ourselves with global best practices and providing patients with safer, quicker, and accurate diagnostic options, he said.

Concerning the Cardiac MRI, he stressed that it is the gold standard for analysing the functions of the heart, particularly, the left and right ventricles, underlining that with the equipment, doctors can meticulously monitor the heart’s response to these treatments, to make informed decisions that balance cancer treatment efficacy with cardiac safety.

Moreover, the Health Minister added the Cardiac MRI’s ability to provide detailed insights into ventricular function is also invaluable in managing a variety of other cardiac conditions.

He further stated that the Cardiac MRI will also help to address the pressing needs of 200 thalassemia patients by performing ‘virtual biopsies to quantify the amount of iron in the myocardium.

Minister Jagutpal expressed satisfaction that the Government is eliminating the need for overseas treatment to have access to such cutting-edge technology by providing world-class healthcare services locally.

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In his address, the Vice-Prime Minister encouraged the inhabitants of the locality to benefit from the community centre and indicated that several activities will be carried out to ensure the social, mental, and physical well being of the residents.

The centre, built in 1992, has been renovated and upgraded with a first storey with the objective to provide more persons and youth with an appropriate space to practice different activities, he said. He added that soon works will start for the renovation of the BAT centre at Route Militaire in a bid to further enhance the quality of life of the residents.

Other development projects are the construction of a community centre at Rue Renaissance at Plaine-Verte; the construction of a sports centre and the renovation of the Dr Idrice Goomany Centre at Plaine Verte, he pointed out.

For her part, the Gender Minister highlighted major development projects being undertaken by Government across Mauritius for the welfare of the population. She recalled the bold steps Government took to fight the COVID-19 while ensuring the well-being of the citizens during the pandemic as well as measures to relaunch the economy.  Government is committed to providing the population with the best living conditions, modern infrastructures, and good quality of life and reiterated its commitment to continue to work for the upliftment of the population, she underscored.

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The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Kumar Singh Jagutpal; the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Mr Soomilduth Bholah; the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mohammud Zahid Nazurally; and the Chairperson of the District Council of Flacq were present at the event.

Addressing the inhabitants, Minister Jagutpal reaffirmed that Government’s priority remains the health of the population. He thus recalled that CHCs in Trou d’Eau Douce and Bel Air have been inaugurated which aim at improving health services in the country and catering to the needs of the population especially the elderly.

The newly built Centre, he further stated, will help to provide efficient health services related to the treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while adding that it will enable the decentralisation of the services offered at the hospital by providing health care facilities at regional level with the availability of several tests.

Speaking of other Governmental initiatives, he mentioned the new Flacq hospital which is expected to be inaugurated in the coming months. The Health Minister also spoke of several preventive measures undertaken by the Ministry regarding Dengue and Leptospirosis. The digitalisation of health care services was also underlined by the Minister.

Minister Bholah, for his part, underpinned the investment of Government in the health sector so as to improve the quality of life of the population. He encouraged people to grow their food crops and to reduce the use of insecticides in the face of diseases.

As for Deputy Speaker Nazurally, he dwelt on various Governmental initiatives to ease the lives of residents of the region while highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Camp de Masque Community Health Centre

The Centre, open from Monday to Saturday, will provide the inhabitants of the region with the following services: General Consultation, NCD treatment, Dietician Clinic, Community Based Rehabilitation, Blood collection, Diabetology Clinic, and Family Planning.

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The newly constructed community health centre, to the tune of around Rs 36 million, will provide several services. These include: general consultation, antenatal clinic, family planning, well baby clinic, diabetologist clinic, dental clinic, and health education and counselling.

In his address, Dr Husnoo highlighted that the health of the population remained the topmost priority of Government. “In a bid to provide better health care facilities and improve health care access, Government has constructed several mediclinics and area health centres, and has undertaken major infrastructural works in the health care sector,” he emphasised.

The Vice-Prime Minister indicated that diseases had evolved over time and that many persons were now suffering from non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension, thereby requiring regular health checks. He stated that the inhabitants of St François Xavier and the neighbourhood would now benefit from several health care facilities near their residence.

Moreover, Dr Husnoo encouraged the population to adopt a sports culture and to go for a walk for at least ten minutes per day. He mentioned the construction of several facilities in the region of Port Louis to cater for social and sports activities for the welfare of the citizens.

For his part, the Health Minister indicated that the project, which started in 2017 but got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was in line with Government vision to provide advanced health care services to the people in their vicinity. “Government will continue to renovate and built new health infrastructures to better respond to current and new challenges and the growing ageing population,” he said.

According to Dr Jagutpal, health care centres were built with the objective of providing people with closer and easier access to health care facilities. “These centres have proven to be more efficient and to cater to a larger segment of the population,” he pointed out.

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It is to be recalled that Yogida Sawmynaden was acquitted of the two formal charges made against her in the Port-Louis tribunal: using a forged private writing in the False Employment of Constituency Clerk case and forgery in private writing. Magistrate Anusha Rawoah made it clear in her decision that there are numerous discrepancies and inconsistencies in the Simla Kistnen version—the older of Soopramanien Kistnen—about important matters in this hypothetical employment case pertaining to Constituency Clerk.

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