Federal Government Increases Monitoring at Entry Points Amid Growing Mpox Threat

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In response to the escalating threat of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, the Federal Government has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points across Nigeria. This move was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Mr. Tashikalmah Hallah, in Abuja.

Prof. Pate emphasized the seriousness of the Mpox Clade 1 strain, which has been linked to fatalities in up to 10 percent of cases during previous outbreaks. “Our goal is to mitigate its impact using measures similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated. 

As part of the heightened precautions, the government has mandated that all travelers entering Nigeria complete an online health declaration form. Infectious disease centers have also been activated in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, revealed that the NCDC is ramping up surveillance efforts nationwide to swiftly identify and address any new Mpox cases. He noted that port health services at all five international airports, ten seaports, and 51 land borders are on high alert. Additionally, states including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been placed on heightened alert.

This response comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, following a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spread to neighboring countries. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for a coordinated international response to contain the rapidly spreading new Mpox strain.

In line with global efforts, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared a continental public health emergency and plans to deploy 23 million vaccine doses in 2024, with 10 million set to be distributed next year. The WHO has allocated $1 million for immediate response efforts, while $15 million is needed to enhance surveillance and preparedness across the continent.