By Segun Otokiti, Abuja
WorldStage Newsonline– The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the spreading Mpox epidemic in the country and advised members of the public on the need to adhere to all preventive measures in keeping the plague at bay.
The lower chamber of the federal legislature raised the concern through its Committee on Healthcare Services in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organization’s warning on the spread of the epidemic.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently reported a sharp increase in Mpox cases across multiple states and stressed the importance of enhanced surveillance, rapid case detection, and immediate isolation of affected individuals.
They emphasized the need for the public to adhere to preventive measures, including frequent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and promptly seeking medical attention for any suspicious symptoms.
In line with the NCDC’s warnings, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the situation in Nigeria as a potential public health emergency of international concern while WHO called for increased global support to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the epidemic, focusing on vaccine distribution, public health education, and international cooperation.
Underscoring the gravity of the situation, the House Committee on Healthcare Services, in concert with all health-related Committees in the House of Representatives said it was intensifying oversight activities.
“We are also working in close collaboration with relevant health agencies and international partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the outbreak,” the committee stated.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Dennis Idahosa (APC, Edo), expressing his concerns about the outbreak, stated: “The rising cases of Mpox in our country are a serious threat to public health. We are fully committed to working with the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and international partners to ensure that we take all necessary actions to curb this epidemic. The safety and well-being of Nigerians is our top priority, and we urge everyone to adhere to the health guidelines provided.”
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed that the Centre was conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread.
“As part of the government’s ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases. This includes putting all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert,” Idris added.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, has also assured the public that government had implemented a new mandate requiring all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.
“This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 percent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks. The aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pate stated.
Also speaking on the health emergency, Spokesman of House of Representatives, Mr. Akin Rotimi (Jr) said that in alignment with Legislative Agenda on Social Sector Reform and Development (Agenda 5), the House of Representatives, through its relevant Committees on Health, would continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with all relevant authorities to ensure effective management of the outbreak.
“We urge all Nigerians to stay vigilant, follow health advisories, and cooperate with public health officials during this critical time,” he advised.
