MPOX: APC UK South-West caucus task Minister of Health, others on curtailment

The All-Progressives Congress (APC) UK South-West Caucus has echoed the urgency for Federal Ministry of health and in the states, to jointly make efforts at curtailing the spread of Monkey Pox (Mpox) in the country.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of APC UK South West Caucus Hon. Andrew Taiwo in London United Kingdom on Friday, the caucus raised concern about the fact that the killer virus (Mpox) first confirmed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has already made incursion into other parts of the African continent, Nigeria inclusive.

Hon. Taiwo while describing available records as a frightening one, urged the persons in charge of the ministry of health at the federal and state levels not to fold hands and watch helplessly while the disease festers unchecked, but to take proactive measures to save the day.

According to the Caucus Monkeypox, is a rare but potentially serious viral disease. It is characterized by symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion, followed by a distinctive rash that progresses from flat spots to raised bumps and eventually to scabs.
“In severe cases, Mpox can lead to complications such as secondary infections, pneumonia, and even death.

“The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans, and can spread through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces. Given its mode of transmission and potential severity, Mpox represents a significant threat to public health.

“The spate of Mpox in Africa is alarming with 15 600 cases and 537 deaths and more to it is the confirmed index that it is already in Nigeria with some cases recorded too.

“To an extent that the World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus even declared it a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).

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“Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) also disclosed recently that a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero death of monkey pox have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“The Caucus believe that given the frightening dimension the Mpox scourge had assumed in recent times, the Coordinating Minister of Health Professor Muhammad Ali Pate and the Minister of State Mr. Tunji Alausa should take the lead to ensure curtailment of the disease.

“Immediate steps must be taken to ensure that healthcare facilities nationwide are equipped to handle Mpox cases. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostic tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and necessary medications.

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“Commissioners of the six states in South-West from Professor Akin Abayomi Lagos State, Dr. Tomi Coker Ogun State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi Oyo State, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka Ondo State, Dr. Oyebanji Filani Commissioner of Health and Human Services Ekiti and Barrister Jola Akintola Osun State, should work closely with local healthcare providers to bolster facility preparedness and response capabilities.

“Regular training and updates for healthcare workers on Mpox management are essential to tackle the ugly health trend holistically.

“Much sensitization need be done to bring the people up to speed on the spread of the virus, in order to help save our people’s health, coupled with the probable scientific fact that the Mpox has sexually transmissible strain.

“According to research the disease with a deadly and clearly irritating physical appearance is caused by Orthopoxvirus, mpox was first detected in humans in 1970, in the DRC. The disease is considered endemic to countries in central and west Africa.

“Remember Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected and later caused a global outbreak in 2022, we urge the commanding heights of the ministry of health in Nigeria to consider the grave danger lurking around and do the needful.

The Caucus also suggest six critical actions that need be taken to address the lethal health concern frontally, these includes; enhanced surveillance and reporting, public awareness and education, strengthening healthcare facilities, implementing quarantine and isolation protocols, international collaboration, support and policy and regulatory measures.

“A state of emergency need be declared in the health sector nationwide.” The Caucus said.