The Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) has outlined a strategic approach for Nigeria’s response to the growing Mpox threat, emphasizing the need for significant financial investments in surveillance and response activities. This comes amid increasing concerns about the rise and spread of Mpox-related outbreaks across Africa, particularly clades I and II.
In a statement signed by NIDS President, Professor Dimie Ogoina, titled *“Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) Statement on the Current Mpox Outbreak in Nigeria and Africa: Observations, Concerns, and Recommendations”*, the society called for a coordinated “One Health” surveillance approach, targeting animal exposures, environmental risk factors, and human behavioral factors to control the Mpox spread.
The society recommended intensified surveillance at points of entry to prevent the importation of new Mpox strains into the country. Additionally, they supported the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s plan to decentralize Mpox laboratory testing, which is critical for reducing turnaround times and improving patient care. However, they stressed that this effort must be accompanied by improved funding for the NCDC to succeed.
Further, NIDS urged health authorities to review the case definition of Mpox in response to new presentations and high rates of laboratory-negative test results among clinically compatible cases. They also advised health workers to maintain a high level of vigilance for Mpox cases to enable timely diagnosis and referral.
The experts raised concerns about the fluctuating epidemiological patterns of Mpox in Nigeria, linking it to inadequate surveillance, poor public awareness, and underreporting. Of particular concern was the rising number of cases in children, who are more vulnerable to severe symptoms.
To counteract stigma and misinformation, NIDS called for enhanced risk communication and structured awareness programs tailored to local communities, particularly frontline health workers who are likely to receive preventive vaccination. They also advocated for investments in Mpox research and development to better understand the disease and develop cost-effective interventions, including the exploration of repurposed drugs for treatment.
NIDS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the public health response through advocacy, research, education, and partnerships, stressing that a collective and proactive effort is essential to control the spread of Mpox in Nigeria.
The society highlighted the need for a long-term, sustainable approach, ensuring that other endemic and epidemic diseases are not neglected during the Mpox response. They emphasized that addressing these challenges requires robust financial investment and cross-sector collaboration to stop further transmission and spread of the virus.
