Is IHS on top of monkeypox outbreak?

Navajo Nation confirms first case.

(Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — With the Navajo Nation confirming its first case of monkeypox this week — and cases among Natives having previously been reported in D.C. and California — the Indian Health Service (IHS) is continuing to step up its public health efforts, according to agency officials.

Earlier on in the monkeypox outbreak in the U.S., some major Native influencers and health advocates were critical of and questioning the IHS response:

jana @janaunplgd

Wondering how IHS clinics are faring with information and vaccines for monkeypox. Our clinics need to be equipped by the beginning of the school year as Native kids are at considerable risk. We gotta talk about this stuff babes. There’s a ton of disinfo out there.

ᎠᏔᎦᎯ Atagahi @Atagahi

@janaunplgd FYI, as of this morning, @IHSgov will receive a very limited number of monkeypox vaccines, which will be limited to those with known exposure. Still limited to state lab testing (delaying treatment) and no TPOXX to treat, as far as I’ve heard.

ᎠᏔᎦᎯ Atagahi @Atagahi

@janaunplgd @meghanloyd As of last week, no testing at IHS-contracted labs, have to send to state labs. No vaccines. No TPOXX or other treatments. @IHSgov apparently does not have a plan.

IHS has since pushed back against the notion that it doesn’t have a plan, although it is noteworthy that a permanent IHS director has still not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to oversee this ongoing health situation, as well as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and Indian health funding and other policy challenges facing the agency:

IndianHealthService @IHSgov

The IHS is working closely with our partners across the government to explore ways to enhance access to monkeypox medical countermeasures in #IndianCountry, including vaccines & medications. Visit cdc.gov/poxvirus/monke… for more on how to prevent getting monkeypox. #NativeHealth

cdc.govMonkeypox in the U.S.Learn more about monkeypox in the United States.

Native health advocates are noticing improvements:

ᎠᏔᎦᎯ Atagahi @Atagahi

@IHSgov finally seems to have increased access to TPOXX to treat monkeypox cases. A bit late since Natives have been having cases since late June we now know. But better late than never. @HHSGov and @CDCgov have thoroughly messed access for Natives up from the beginning.

ᎠᏔᎦᎯ Atagahi @Atagahi

@HHSGov @CDCgov communication to Natives about monkeypox was worse than I’ve ever seen. It seriously reminds me of the Reagan era. Native media @IndianCountry and @indianz also dropped the ball on this. Everyone failed us. At least @indianz had the story yesterday.

The National Indian Health Board on August 26 is holding an online meeting about monkeypox in Indian Country:

NIHB @NIHB1

ANYONE can become infected with monkeypox. Join us on August 26 for the second webinar in our Vaccine Week series! Register at: bit.ly/3QPUCgI #NativeHealth #HealthyNativeCommunities #ProjectFirstline #NIHB #COVID-19 #VaccineHesitancy

How is monkeypox impacting your Indigenous community? Email us.