In 2022, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern for the first time | Photo: Shutterstock
Indian exporters are keeping their fingers crossed over the monkeypox outbreak in Africa as the continent is a crucial region for domestic exports.
According to exporters, although the spread of the disease is contained in certain countries, it would be a challenge if it spreads to more nations.
“As of now, the spread is not rampant, but looking at the infection, exporters are definitely worried and hope that it does not spread,” said Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai.
Another exporter said that so far there is no lockdown situation on the continent and therefore there are no delays in payments.
“But we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” he said.
The GTRI think tank said the direct impact of the MPox outbreak on global trade has been relatively limited so far, although the situation warrants close monitoring.
Unlike the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to strict travel bans, the current MPox situation has not required such drastic measures, said Globe Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) founder Ajay Srivastava.
However, “India must remain vigilant as the situation evolves. India must take precautionary measures to mitigate any potential disruption to trade and ensure that its public health responses are well coordinated to prevent the virus from impacting its economy,” Srivastava said.
Currently, there are no reported cases of monkeypox in India, though precautionary measures will be implemented to prevent and control the spread of the disease, the Union Health Ministry said on Saturday.
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) re-declaring monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, Union Health Minister JP Nadda last week conducted a detailed review of the situation and preparedness in a meeting with senior officials of his ministry.
In 2022, the WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern for the first time.
It was decided that as a precautionary measure, certain measures would be implemented such as sensitizing health units at all airports, seaports and land crossings; preparing testing laboratories (32); and equipping health facilities to detect, isolate and manage any cases.
The WHO declaration of 2022 was revoked in May 2023. Since 2022, it has reported 99,176 cases and 208 deaths from monkeypox globally in 116 countries.
India’s bilateral trade with Africa grew by 9.26 per cent in 2022-23 to reach around $100 billion. Exports stood at $51 billion, while imports were $47 billion.
Both sides are seeking to increase trade to $200 billion by 2030. India’s exports to Africa are dominated by crude oil and pharmaceuticals, which account for nearly 40 percent of total exports to African markets.
Africa mainly exports commodities such as crude oil and minerals, gold, copper and cashews to India and imports refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, vehicles and telecommunications equipment.
First published: August 18, 2024 | 12:56 pm IS
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