In response to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of Monkeypox (MPOX) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the Aeromedical Services of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) successfully conducted an awareness session on MPOX on 13th September 2024 at the CAASL Auditorium.
The session aimed to enhance the knowledge of civil aviation stakeholders on identifying passengers affected by MPOX and implementing immediate precautionary measures. The program sought to strengthen the readiness of the aviation sector in responding to potential health risks, ensuring the safety of passengers and staff while facilitating prompt referrals to relevant authorities.
The awareness session was led by eminent health professionals, including Dr. Samitha Ginige, Director (Quarantine) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dilini Samarasekara, Consultant (Community Physician) at the Quarantine Unit of the Ministry of Health and Dr. Bimal Dias, Senior Civil Aviation Inspector in Aviation Medicine at CAASL.
A total of over 80 participants attended the program, including representatives from various civil aviation stakeholders in Sri Lanka and Civil Aviation Inspectors from CAASL.
The event was graced by Mr. G. S. Withanage, Chairman of CAASL, with Mr. Rayhan Wanniappa, Deputy Director General (Air Transport & Security Regulations) also representing CAASL.
