ISLAMABAD, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday directed strict measures to monitor and control the spread of the disease in the country.

During a meeting here on the measures against the spread of monkeypox, Sharif instructed to make the screening process at the airports, seaports and borders more effective, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

He told the National Command and Operation Center to closely monitor and review the situation on a daily basis, it added.

He asked the federal authorities to develop better coordination with the provincial governments to curb the spread of the disease and directed them to start an effective and comprehensive awareness campaign.

The prime minister also instructed to make all required kits and devices for treatment and testing available to the health authorities, according to the statement.