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The Federal Government has intensified screening at all entry points to combat the growing Monkeypox outbreak. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, revealed the efforts in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Tashikalmah Hallah, on Thursday.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed 39 Monkeypox cases across 33 states and the FCT since the beginning of 2024, with no fatalities reported.
Pate noted that NCDC and Nigeria Ports Health Services have been strengthening the country's defences against the disease, particularly the Mpox Clade 1 strain. This strain has shown a high mortality rate in previous outbreaks, causing deaths in up to 10% of cases. Measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic are being implemented to mitigate its impact.
The government has also introduced a new requirement for all travelers entering Nigeria to complete an online health declaration form before their arrival. In addition, infectious disease centers have been activated in all 36 states and the FCT to enhance response efforts.
Prof. Pate urged the public to maintain good hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly after contact with infected individuals or animals.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control recently declared a public health emergency due to the rapid spread of Monkeypox, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a new viral strain, Clade 1b, emerged in September 2023. This strain is spreading through sexual networks and has now been detected outside the DRC.
In 2024 alone, Africa has reported 2,863 confirmed Monkeypox cases and 517 deaths across 13 countries. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the rapid spread of this new strain, which contributed to the public health emergency declaration.
Meanwhile, in an effort to combat tuberculosis, the Rivers State Government distributed 46 motorcycles to TB supervisors and their deputies in the state's 23 local councils. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, aims to improve tracking and treatment in hard-to-reach areas of the state. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of active community surveillance to identify and treat infected individuals effectively.
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