FROM RAHILA ABDULLAHI, KADUNA
Director of Health and Care on Mpox, Nigerian Red Cross, Dr Mannir Jega has stated that there were 108 confirmed cases of Mpox, spanning 27 states in the country.
Jega made this disclosure during the training of health workers from 15 states in Kaduna, yesterday.
According to the director, a similar training had already been conducted in 17 states.
He noted that the current training programme include participants from Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Edo and other states.
“We trained them on how to respond effectively to the outbreak,” he said.
While acknowledging that Bayelsa State had the highest number of Mpox cases in the country, he added that the North-Central has the highest cases within Northern Nigeria.
Jega also stated that the Nigerian Red Cross, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and their partners at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, has activated a robust response plan.
“Mpox is a critical public health issue affecting our nation and the world. The outbreak has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation, WHO, and Africa CDC. Unfortunately, Nigeria is among the affected countries.
“The latest figures from NCDC revealed 108 confirmed Mpox cases out of 1,395 suspected cases this year, spanning 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“While we are fortunate that no fatalities have been recorded thus far, we must act decisively to prevent further spread and mitigate its impact,” he stressed
