Mpox Still Circulating in Nigeria, Experts Warn: A Call for Urgent Action and Awareness
The battle against Mpox is far from over in Nigeria, according to former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and a team of leading public health experts. Despite improvements in surveillance and case management, the virus continues to pose a significant public health challenge, with potential long-term implications if left unchecked.
In a recent webinar, Prof. Adewole emphasized the evolving nature of infectious diseases in Nigeria, drawing parallels with other outbreaks. He shared a concerning anecdote from four days prior, when he spoke with the Director-General of NCDC, who was managing seven active outbreaks simultaneously. This highlights the complexity and potential for Mpox to become a persistent issue in the country.
The experts' concerns are well-founded, given the virus's ability to spread silently and the potential for mild cases to go unnoticed. Victor Erunkunakpor, one of the speakers, urged swift action, focusing on practical measures to prevent Mpox from becoming endemic. He emphasized the need for increased vaccination, especially among health workers, and the classification of high-risk individuals for targeted protection.
Erunkunakpor's call for action is supported by Prof. Richard Adegbola, who noted that Mpox, like other infectious diseases, requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes clinical care, community engagement, and accurate public awareness. Adegbola highlighted the psychological and social dimensions of disease management, explaining that stigma often arises from misperceptions at the community level.
Dr. Sebastine Oiwoh, a dermatologist, added a critical perspective, emphasizing the importance of home-based care protocols and the need for hospital escalation when necessary. He also underscored the risks of ocular involvement, noting that immediate hospital intervention is crucial to prevent blindness. Oiwoh's experience with digital health technologies has been instrumental in monitoring outbreaks and guiding sampling for laboratory testing and genomic sequencing.
The experts agreed that investing in vaccination, surveillance, and community education is essential. They also stressed the role of survivors in promoting awareness and confidence in vaccination. By addressing misinformation and stigma, Nigeria can better manage Mpox and prevent its long-term establishment in the country.
In conclusion, the experts' warnings serve as a reminder that the battle against Mpox is far from over. Urgent action, awareness, and a comprehensive approach are needed to protect public health and prevent the virus from becoming a persistent issue in Nigeria.
