By Peter Emmanuel
As monkeypox (mpox) cases rise across Nigeria, health workers are at the forefront of a challenging fight.
In both bustling cities and remote communities, new cases continue to emerge, underscoring the virus’s relentless spread.
However, these frontline workers face considerable challenges, including inadequate funding, a shortage of essential medical supplies, and a population that often remains unaware of the virus’s risks.
Despite lessons from previous outbreaks, Nigeria’s health system struggles to respond effectively, leaving many to question why, with all the resources and knowledge available, the country is still unable to curb this outbreak.
Monkeypox in Nigeria
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as of September 29, 2024, there were 1,237 suspected mpox cases nationwide, with 84 confirmed cases, reflecting a 7% positivity rate. NCDC reports that mpox spreads through contact with infected rodents, individuals, or contaminated objects.
Symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions. While there is no specific treatment, antiviral drugs can help manage the condition. Most cases are mild, and patients generally recover within a few weeks.
A separate NCDC publication explains that mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash. Although there is no proven treatment, the virus usually runs its course naturally.
In a broader African context, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains the most affected nation, with 6,169 confirmed cases and 25 deaths in 2024. Nigeria follows with 94 confirmed cases, although there have been no reported deaths.
Transmission and Health Worker Insights
Osunranti Rachel Oluwadunsin, a community health worker at Capstone Lunar Hospital in Ilorin, explained that monkeypox is a virus within the Orthopoxvirus genus. It transmits from animals to humans (primary transmission) and from person to person (secondary transmission). Primary transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals, including rodents and non-human primates, or through animal bites, scratches, and exposure to infected bodily fluihds. Secondary transmission occurs through close physical contact, respiratory droplets, and, in some cases, intimate contact, particularly among men who have sex with men.
Systemic Challenges in Combating Mpox
Photo Credit: World Health Organization
According to Rachel, inadequate funding and limited resources are major obstacles in combating mpox.
She highlighted the shortage of public health workers, insufficient laboratory capacity, and an overburdened healthcare infrastructure as factors hindering effective response efforts.
Additionally, poor disease surveillance and inadequate data management make it difficult to track, monitor, and identify cases accurately. Limited access to vaccines and costly antiviral medications further compounds the issue.
Prevention and Community Response
Rachel emphasised the importance of preventive measures, urging residents and travellers in endemic areas to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, practise good hygiene, and report any symptoms to healthcare professionals.
The Federal Ministry of Health, NCDC, and WHO are coordinating efforts to investigate suspected cases, monitor contacts, and enhance surveillance across Nigeria.
As the virus continues to spread, the call for a robust response grows louder.
Health experts agree that Nigeria must strengthen its health infrastructure, invest in disease surveillance, and ensure access to vaccines and antiviral treatments to bring the mpox outbreak under control.
