The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the Monkeypox outbreak, holds with it an urgency – Over 46,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths recorded.
Vaccination efforts are gaining momentum, with more than 50,000 doses administered and a new rollout planned for Kinshasa.
The WHO’s approval of a second vaccine for emergency use brings a glimmer of hope to the crisis.
The African Union’s health watchdog warned at the end of October that the mpox outbreak was still not under control and called for more resources to avoid a pandemic that it said could potentially be worse than COVID-19.
However, in Nigeria, a united front is emerging. The federal government, in partnership with stakeholders and international bodies like the U.S. CDC, is intensifying its efforts to combat infectious diseases. At a recently held Health Initiative symposium, the Minister of health, Muhammad Pate apprised Nigeria’s commitment to health reforms, integrating a one-health approach to optimize limited resources.
This means, the effort is not only to tackle mpox but also address other pressing public health concerns such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. According to the minister, the importance of extending care to neglected tropical diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished communities in slums and shanties.
Amidst global concerns, Nigeria’s strategy stands out for its holistic and inclusive focus, striving for health equity while addressing urgent outbreaks. This resilience and collaboration underline Africa’s resolve to combat mpox and future health challenges, showcasing the region’s unwavering determination to protect its people.
