By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has launched a groundbreaking research project on Mpox formerly known as Monkey Pox in the country.

The Director General, of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, who made the disclosure at the launch on Monday in Abuja, said that it would pave the way for a healthier future.

Adetifa emphasised the importance of knowledge, unity, and determination in tackling the challenges posed by pox.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mpox, is the most important global human orthopoxvirus infection since smallpox was eradicated in 1979.

Since the virus re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017, we have continued to experience annual outbreaks of the virus.

From 2017 till date, we have recorded 2,668 suspected cases, 975 confirmed cases and 14 deaths with Lagos and Rivers States accounting for the highest burden of the disease.

Adetifa said that the project, which involved collaboration with dedicated researchers and institutions, aimed to unravel the unknowns of mpox and bridge the gap between clinical and One Health studies.

He said that this marks a significant step forward in mpox research and demonstrates the NCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and the world at large.

The DG highlighted the power of research and the strength of collaboration in combating infectious diseases.

“By working together, we can move closer to a world free from the threat of mpox and ensure the wellbeing of future generations.

“This research project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address public health challenges.

“It serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to leveraging scientific knowledge and partnerships to safeguard the health of its citizens and contribute to global health security,” he said.

As the project progresses, he said, it was expected to generate valuable insights into mpox, paving the way for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

“With the dedication of the NCDC and its partners, a brighter and healthier future free from the threat of mpox is within reach,” he said.

He said that the research project would be completed over two years and would cover thematic areas namely;

The clinical characteristics and natural history of mpox disease, the essential epidemiological parameters and factors associated with infection and transmission.

“The experience of people infected with mpox and those close to them.

To address the thematic areas identified, two studies on mpox will be done.

“The Clinical Study which will help address knowledge gaps in the clinical understanding of the virus and the natural history of infection.

“The One Health Study would help to increase understanding of the dynamics of infection and transmission in the Nigerian context,” he said.

Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, said that the launch marked a significant milestone in the country’s mission to improve its understanding and provide evidence to strengthen mpox outbreak prevention, response and control in the country.

Oreh said that similar endemic settings of the mpox virus through the research project titled “Epidemiological and clinical investigation of mpox in Nigeria: A multi-disciplinary research project to inform case management and outbreak prevention and control” was commendable.

Prof. Gwenda Hughes, co-project lead, Deputy Director for Research, UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), said the team was delighted to be part of the collaboration between NCDC and other partners to better understand the clinical characteristics, a pattern of infection and spread of mpox in Nigeria.

Hughes, who is also Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said that MPOX disease has greatly affected Nigerian communities, especially in recent years.

“The UK-PHRST will support Nigerian colleagues to answer important scientific questions through this extensive research programme and will also help deliver training of local laboratory staff and field teams.

“Our microbiology specialists have already provided lab equipment and shared expertise to help build local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.

“Ultimately, through co-creation and by taking a partner-led approach with our Nigerian colleagues, we aim to support improved case and contact management and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox both in Nigeria and globally,” he said.

Dr Alao Mitchell, Veterinary Officer, a representative from Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for the equipment of relevant agencies to carry out their functions efficiently.

He said it would help in mapping out wildlife disease hotspots, organizing the sale of bushmeat and wildlife artefacts, formulating effective policies, enforcement of existing wildlife laws and even making new ones where they were necessary.

Mitchell, however, said that the battle to prevent and control Mpox was on, and all hands must be on deck to achieve success.

“The government cannot achieve these laudable plans by itself, and many in this room, including other partners, will have to support in the spirit of collaboration, which is very evident here today,” he said.

Dr Chinwe Lucia Ochu, co-project lead from the NCDC said, “The mpox outbreak in Nigeria had a profound impact on lives, particularly among key populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of marginalized communities.

Ochu said that the NCDC played a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis.

“This collaboration underscores the critical importance of surveillance and understanding transmission within the One Health space, where collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health is imperative to protect our global well-being,” she said.

She said that the 2022 global outbreak which affected over 100 countries, coincided with the country’s largest outbreak with 762 confirmed and over 2000 suspected cases.

“Though the increase is likely attributed to improved reporting and testing capacities, there remain important gaps in clinical and epidemiological knowledge of mpox in the Nigerian context,.

“These include the loss of protection from routine smallpox vaccine, that has hampered the development of effective control measures and led to annual outbreaks,” she explained.

NAN, recalled that the 2022 global outbreak of the virus, NCDC, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, UK-PHRST

An innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, funded with UK aid by the UK Department of Health and Social Care),

Amongst others were stakeholders in Lagos and Rivers States agreed to collaborate on a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at addressing knowledge gaps on mpox that would improve the public health response to the virus in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Abujah Racheal

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has urged actions to improve immunisation rates and strengthen healthcare systems in the country.

Pate, who was represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, said this on Monday in Abuja.

He spoke at a strategic retreat of the seven health committees of the National Assembly under the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU).

Pate expressed concerns about low immunisation rates among children in Nigeria.

The minister said that only 10 per cent of children received any form of immunisation.

According to him, this poses a significant risk to the children’s health as they grow.

He called for urgent actions in the health sector to address the issue.

Pate said that children who received one dose of immunisation still faced multiple health challenges that could lead to high mortality rate.

He said that the healthcare system had been identified as a key area that should be strengthened to tackle the challenges effectively.

He also noted some challenges faced by healthcare centres, listing them to include inadequate human and material resources.

“To address these challenges, collaborations between different stakeholders, including healthcare workers, government officials and the community, are deemed essential.

“Adequate resources must be provided to maintain and improve the infrastructure of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they are fully functional and meet the needs of the population,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of innovative financing options to ensure that all Nigerians would have access to adequate and quality healthcare services.

“This may involve exploring health insurance state mandates and finding ways to provide care for vulnerable populations,” he said.

He also said that, while the government could spend on healthcare, there was a need for alignment between priorities and objectives.

“This will ensure that funds are directed towards achieving specific goals and improving health outcomes for the population,” he said.

Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, World Health Organisation Country Representative to Nigeria, emphasised the role of the National Assembly and the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU) in improving healthcare.

Mulombo said that successful immunisation campaigns in the past could provide context and demonstrate the potential for improvement.

“It is also important to address the challenges faced during these campaigns, such as vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues and cultural barriers,” he said.

He stressed the need for increased education about the importance of immunisation to shed light on the underlying factors for low immunisation rates.

“This could include addressing misconceptions, providing accurate information and engaging with communities to build trust in the healthcare system.

He said that there was the need for the country to explore any existing collaborations or potential partnerships with international organisations and partners that could showcase support and resources availability to address immunisation challenges.

“This could include funding, technical assistance and knowledge sharing.

“ There are specific initiatives or policies that the government has implemented or plans to implement to improve immunisation rates can demonstrate commitment to addressing the issue.

“This could include funding allocations, legislative changes or targeted campaigns,” he said.

He said that increased disease outbreaks or long-term health implications were potential consequences of low immunisation rates.

“Projections or goals for future immunization rates can provide a roadmap for improvement and hold the government accountable for achieving these targets,” he said.

Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee for Health, said that the legislative retreat was aimed to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system toward achievement of Universal Health Coverage.

Banigo said that the retreat would have an overview of the status of Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The lawmaker added that it would give an update on the implementation of previous legislative health agenda, including progress made, gaps identified and next steps.

Banigo also said that it would discuss key issues and challenges in the health sector, such as financing, social protection and implementation of health initiatives, as well as feature discussion on the roles and responsibilities of legislators in addressing the challenges.

She said that the retreat would also discuss collaborative efforts between National Assembly health committees, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other stakeholders to achieve health reform objectives.

She said that planning and agreement on modalities for the upcoming legislative summit on health and universal health coverage would also be discussed.

She emphasised the importance of accountability, transparency and responsibility in the health sector.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola