Grace Edema
The Academy of Medicine Specialties on Public Health has disclosed that there are almost no research and development efforts on Mpox in Nigeria.
A statement by the Chairman, the Rapid Response Initiative Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and Member, Rapid Response Initiative Committee Prof. Richard Adegbola of the Academy explained that the outbreak constituted a significant public health challenge and requires immediate and coordinated action at national and regional levels.
“The Rapid Response Committee of the Academy of Medicine Specialties is gravely concerned about the ongoing Mpox outbreak across several African countries, including Nigeria,” it said.
On August 13th and 14th, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation declared Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a public health emergency of continental security (PHECS) and a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), respectively.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, this viral illness, which causes rashes and flu-like symptoms, primarily affects central and western Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 22,000 cases and more than 716 deaths have been reported. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 55 confirmed cases of Mpox out of 935 suspected cases across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of week 35, ending September 1, 2024. No deaths have been reported in Nigeria this year.
It read, “There are almost no research and development efforts on Mpox in Nigeria. Current Mpox studies in Nigeria should be expanded to include implementation research to address the outbreak. The federal and state governments with their partners should invest in ongoing research to close knowledge gaps about Mpox in Nigeria. This research should guide the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.”
The Academy maintained that the Mpox outbreak was not confined to individual countries; it constitutes a regional and global threat.
“We urge for stronger international collaboration and support to enhance the capacities of affected countries to manage the outbreak effectively.
“Misinformation and stigma associated with the disease constitute a hindrance to efforts to manage the outbreak effectively.
“The outbreak has placed additional strain on already overburdened healthcare systems in many African countries such as Nigeria. Limited resources, including diagnostic tools, personal protective equipment, and treatment options, are compounding the challenges faced by healthcare providers.”
As such, the Academy called for immediate, and coordinated actions by governments, public health authorities, and international partners to contain the outbreak and minimise its impact on public health.
It recommended that the Federal Government should establish a national advisory task force on Mpox that should be led by the presidency for high-level coordination of the national Mpox response.
“Strengthen surveillance systems to detect and respond to new cases quickly. This includes integrating Mpox monitoring into existing health surveillance frameworks. These will help to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.
“There is an urgent need to improve public awareness and understanding of Mpox, particularly regarding its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures. Billboards and radio jingles should be deployed in all the states and Federal Capital Territory to inform the public and provide constant health education messages that will protect the people against the risk factors of Mpox using simple messages.
“The federal, state, and local governments should engage communities in the response efforts, ensuring they are informed, involved, and empowered to take preventive actions.”
The statement concluded that the current Mpox outbreak posed a serious public health threat that required urgent attention.
It read, “The Rapid Response Committee of the Academy of Medicine Specialties stands ready to support efforts to manage and contain the outbreak. We call on stakeholders to work together to protect the health and well-being of all affected communities.”
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