Government Enhances Border Controls Amid Rising Mpox Cases

In response to the escalating threat of Mpox, the Federal Government has ramped up health screenings at all national entry points. The intensified measures are aimed at curbing the spread of the virus, which has prompted concern across the country.

Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the severity of the current situation in a statement released through his Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Mr. Tashikalmah Hallah. “The Mpox Clade 1 strain has a fatality rate of up to 10 percent in past outbreaks,” Pate noted, underscoring the government’s commitment to minimizing its impact by implementing measures reminiscent of those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the new protocols, travelers are now required to complete an online health declaration form before entering the country. This precautionary step is aimed at enhancing early detection and containment of potential cases.

Additionally, infectious disease centers have been activated across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure readiness for any outbreak scenarios. The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted that “surveillance efforts are being intensified nationwide to swiftly identify and respond to new cases.”

Port health services at international airports, seaports, and land borders have been placed on high alert, particularly in states like Lagos, Enugu, Kano, and Rivers, as well as the FCT. This vigilance is a part of the broader strategy to contain the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years, citing a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has spilled over into neighboring regions. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for a “coordinated international response” to address the rapid spread of a new Mpox strain, warning of its potential to affect a broader range of countries.

In a related move, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced a continental public health emergency. The organization plans to deploy 23 million vaccine doses in 2024, with an initial batch of 10 million doses set for distribution next year. This proactive strategy is aimed at bolstering defenses against the virus across the continent.

The WHO has also allocated $1 million to emergency response efforts, though a total of $15 million is required to fully enhance surveillance and preparedness. Two vaccines for Mpox are slated for distribution through Gavi and UNICEF, marking a significant step towards global containment of the virus.