In reaction to the current MPox threat, the Federal Government says it has stepped up monitoring and screening protocols at all points of entry.
This was revealed in a statement made on Thursday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Mr. Tashikalmah Hallah, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
According to reports, the MPox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a highly contagious and lethal monkeypox virus. It has been responsible for widespread devastation in several regions of Africa, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare it a global health emergency. This called for urgent and coordinated international action to limit its spread and minimize its impact.
According to Pate, efforts have been made to strengthen Nigeria's defenses by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, which are both part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. He stated that these steps were taken even before the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and prevention.
Pate clarified that new regulations had been put in place by the government requiring all visitors to fill out an online health declaration form before entering country. According to him, the introduction of the policy coincides with the establishment of disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Additionally, the minister advised the general public to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and practice good hygiene in generally, especially after coming in contact with an infected person or animal.
