Red Cross strengthens response as Mpox cases surge in Nigeria

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has intensified efforts to combat the rising Mpox outbreak in the country, with 108 confirmed cases reported across 27 states as of November 2024.

At a health worker training session in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Director of Health and Care at the Nigerian Red Cross, Dr. Mannir Jega, emphasized the urgency of a coordinated response to curb the disease. He highlighted the global significance of the outbreak, which has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Bayelsa State was reported as having the highest number of cases nationwide, while the North Central region leads in northern Nigeria. Dr. Jega noted that the Red Cross is collaborating with the Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent to address the outbreak through a comprehensive response plan.

The Kaduna training session, involving health workers from 15 states, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen capacity at the grassroots level. “We trained them with the necessary skills and knowledge on how to respond effectively to the outbreak,” Dr. Jega explained, adding that similar trainings have already been conducted in 17 other states.

Beyond capacity building, a regional preparedness plan is underway for northern Nigeria to minimize disease transmission and protect vulnerable populations in low-burden states.

According to the NCDC, the 108 confirmed Mpox cases stem from 1,395 suspected cases recorded this year, spanning 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory.While no fatalities have been reported, Dr. Jega underscored the need for decisive action to mitigate the outbreak’s impact.

“While we are fortunate that no fatalities have been recorded thus far, we must act decisively to prevent further spread and mitigate its impact,” he urged.

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