Federal Gov’t Intensifies Border Screening Measures To Tackle MPox

The Federal Government has intensified monitoring and screening measures at all entry points in response to the increasing threat of MPox, formerly known as monkeypox.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, highlighted these measures in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Mr. Tashikalmah Hallah in Abuja.

In the statement, Prof. Pate explained, “This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 percent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks. Our goal is to mitigate its impact, using measures similar to those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He said that the government has implemented a new mandate requiring all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before entering the country.

Additionally, infectious disease centers have been activated in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris in a report by Channels TV also stated that the Centre is intensifying surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.

According to Idris, the NCDC all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders are on high alert.

He added that some states including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have also been put on high alert.