- Safiu Kehinde
The House of Representatives have expressed concern over the spread of Mpox in Nigeria.
This was made known in a statement signed by the green chamber’s spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.
As contained in the statement posted on the legislature’s official X handle today, the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, expressed his concerns about the outbreak, stressing that it is a threat to public health.
He disclosed the committee’s partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other international healthcare providers.
“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 Fmohnigeria & international partners to ensure that we take all necessary actions to curb this epidemic.
“The safety & well-being of Nigerians is our top priority, & we urge everyone to adhere to the health guidelines provided.” Rotimi had said.
On their part, NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris noted that the Centre is conducting contact tracing & monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread as he disclosed that all international airports alongside 10 seaports and 51 land borders have been placed under surveillance.
“As part of govt’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,” Dr. Idris said.
Meanwhile,NCDC current statistics on Mpox cases revealed 39 confirmed cases across the 36 states and the FCT.
Though there is no death case, NCDC has, however placed some states on high alert as disclosed by Dr. Idris.
The states under high alert according to the NCDC Chief, include Enugu, Lagos, Kano Cross-River, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.