As Nigeria grappled with a resurgence of Monkeypox cases in late 2022 and early 2023, the Public Health Department at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Keffi became a central force in curbing the spread within Nasarawa State and its neighboring communities. Under the guidance of the hospital’s leadership and with active coordination by Dr. Nenrot Sandra Gopep, Deputy Chief Resident of the Community Medicine/Public Health Department, the team launched an intensive public health response that blended surveillance, education, and community engagement.
According to Dr. Gopep, the department’s strategy focused on early detection, prompt isolation of suspected and confirmed cases, and rigorous contact tracing to contain local transmission. “We made it a priority to ensure that every suspected case was quickly identified, safely isolated, and monitored,” she explained. “Our goal was to break the chain of transmission before the infection could spread further within the community.”
Beyond clinical management, the team understood the crucial role of prevention and awareness. FMC Keffi organized training sessions for healthcare workers, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge on infection prevention and control. These trainings emphasized the use of personalprotective equipment (PPEs) and adherence to safety protocols when handling suspected cases.
Recognizing the growing stigma and discrimination faced by individuals infected with or suspected of having Monkeypox, the department also led community education campaigns to counter misinformation. “We noticed that fear and stigma were making people reluctant to come forward,” Dr. Gopep said. “We had to reassure the public that seeking medical help early was the best way to protect themselves and their families.”
In collaboration with local health authorities and community leaders, FMC Keffi initiated efforts to establish a surveillance and data collection system aimed at providing real-time updates on case trends. This system, still in its early stages at the time, was intended to inform policy decisions and public health planning both locally and nationally.
Through these coordinated actions, the Public Health Department at FMC Keffi not only managed to limit further spread of the disease but also strengthened public confidence in the healthcare system. “Our success was rooted in teamwork,” Dr. Gopep added. “From our clinicians to our outreach officers and volunteers, everyone understood that controlling this outbreak meant protecting the entire community.”
The work done at FMC Keffi during the Monkeypox outbreak stands as a model for community-centered outbreak response, one that combines medical vigilance, data-driven action, and compassion for those affected.