Monkey pox: House of reps intensifies oversight activities over rising cases

The house of representatives committee on healthcare services says it is amplifying concerns about the growing mpox epidemic in some parts of the country.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently reported a sharp increase in mpox cases across multiple states.

The centre also stressed the importance of enhanced surveillance, rapid case detection, and immediate isolation of affected individuals.

It emphasised the need for the public to adhere to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and promptly seeking medical attention for any suspicious symptoms.

Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the situation in Nigeria as a potential public health emergency of international concern.

The WHO has also called for increased global support to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the epidemic, focusing on vaccine distribution, public health education, and international cooperation.

In a statement on Friday, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house, said the house committee on healthcare services, in concert with all health-related committees are 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,” Rotimi said.

Dennis Idahosa (APC, Edo), chairman of the house committee on healthcare services, expressed concerns about the outbreak, noting that “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,” Idahosa added.

“The safety and well-being of Nigerians is our top priority, and we urge everyone to adhere to the health guidelines provided.”

Jide Idris, the director-general of the NCDC, noted that the centre is 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,” Idris said.

“This includes putting all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert.”

Muhammad Pate, coordinating minister for health and social welfare, has also assured the public that the government has 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.

Rotimi said the house of representatives, through its relevant committees on health, will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with all concerned 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 added.