The Federal Government has strengthened monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points to combat the Monkeypox outbreak.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases across 33 states and the FCT.
The government has implemented measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an online health declaration form for travelers and the activation of infectious disease centers in all 36 states and the FCT.
“The aim is to tackle and mitigate the impact of Mpox Clade 1 by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pate stated. He emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices, frequent hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizers.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control has declared a public health emergency due to the growing Monkeypox outbreak, with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths reported across 13 African countries in 2024.
In a related development, the Rivers State Government has presented 46 motorcycles to tuberculosis supervisors to enhance tracking and treatment of the disease in hard-to-reach areas. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of active community surveillance in tackling tuberculosis.
