Grace Edema The Academy of Medicine Specialties on Public Health has disclosed that there are almost no research and development efforts on Mpox in Nigeria. A statement by the Chairman, the Rapid Response Initiative Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and Member, Rapid Response Initiative Committee Prof.
Richard Adegbola of the Academy explained that the outbreak constituted a significant public health challenge and requires immediate and coordinated action at national and regional levels. “The Rapid Response Committee of the Academy of Medicine Specialties is gravely concerned about the ongoing Mpox outbreak across several African countries, including Nigeria,” it said. On August 13th and 14th, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation declared Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a public health emergency of continental security (PHECS) and a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), respectively.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus, this viral illness, which causes rashes and flu-like symptoms, primarily affects central and western Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 22,000 cases and more than 716 deaths have been reported. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 55 confirmed cases of Mpox out of 935 suspected cases across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of week 35, ending September 1, 2024.
No deaths have been reported in Nigeria th.