Afimag.com –
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other development partners have launched the Nigeria Mpox Collaboration Research.
The multi-disciplinary research collaboration is among the NCDC, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Niger Delta University, University of Oxford, UK Health Security Agency among others.
Mpox formerly known as Monkey pox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and some animals.
The disease has been in Nigeria for over 50 years with the first case recorded in 1971. In 2017, the disease remerged with 122 confirmed cases which rose to 762 confirmed cases and over 2000 suspected cases in 2022.
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Ifedayo Adetifa said mpox posed significant health threat to Nigeria and stakeholders most work together to eradicate it.
Dr Adetifa represented by a Director in the Agency, John Oladejo explained that the aim of Nigeria Mpox Collaboration Research was to advance the knowledge and treatment of the disease.
The representative of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Mrs Mariam Mohammed said the meeting was apt as the control of Mpox was critical to public health intervention.
Also, the representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Alao Mitchell said all hands must be on deck to address re-emerging diseases especially at state and local government levels.
“A lot needs to be done in containing Mpox in Nigeria. This include empowering states, national parks, game reserves, zoos to retain wildlife disease focal point, building of capacity of these surveillance officer to identify and report wildlife diseases or health events, equipping them to carry out their functions efficiently,” Mr Mitchell said.
The Director UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, Dr Ed Newman pledged to support Nigeria’s public health.
Also, supporting the project are the federal ministry of environment, Rivers and Lagos state governments and other participants at the event.
