Federal Government Boosts Border Controls Amid Monkeypox Outbreak
The Federal Government has stepped up its monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the Monkeypox outbreak. This initiative, spearheaded by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Tashikalmah Hallah, his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations.
On Thursday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 39 confirmed cases of monkeypox, also known as mpox, across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Fortunately, there have been no deaths recorded since the beginning of 2024.
According to the statement, “The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, emphasized that the country has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1.”
Strategic Response to Public Health Emergency
The statement also highlighted efforts by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, both under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to strengthen Nigeria’s defenses prior to the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency.
“This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 per cent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks. The aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pate noted.
The government has implemented a new mandate requiring all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before entering the country. “This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Pate added.
Furthermore, the minister advised the public to practice good hygiene by frequently washing their hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with an infected person or animal.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control had on Tuesday declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent. This outbreak has significantly affected several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the virus has expanded beyond the country’s borders.
A new viral strain, which first emerged in September 2023, has, for the first time, been detected outside the DRC. The World Health Organization stressed that the emergence of a new virus strain, clade 1b, which appears to be spreading primarily through sexual networks, is particularly concerning and is one of the main reasons for the declaration of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
To date, approximately 2,863 confirmed mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries in 2024 alone. Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease that is endemic in several African countries, including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The exact reservoir of the virus remains unknown, although rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to play a role in transmission.
Rivers State Enhances Tuberculosis Control Efforts
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government on Thursday presented 46 motorcycles to tuberculosis supervisors and their deputies across the 23 local councils to expedite the tracking and treatment of the infection. This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health, stated that the motorcycles would enable health officials to reach remote areas and help eradicate tuberculosis in the state. “Tuberculosis is one of those notorious infections that have been ravaging countries across the world, especially low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria,” she said.
In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, and with significant support from the Global Fund, we have gathered these 46 motorcycles, which will be provided to the TB supervisors and their deputies in all 23 local government areas.”
She further emphasized that active community surveillance is crucial in combating this deadly infectious disease. “These motorcycles will enable the TB Supervisors and their Deputies to navigate the nooks and crannies of our communities to identify those who may be infected and ensure they receive the treatment they need,” the health commissioner added.
