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  • Mysterious disease kills eight in Sokoto

    Mysterious disease kills eight in Sokoto

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed eight deaths and 208 suspected cases in Sokoto State following an outbreak of a strange illness in the state.

    State Centre Manager of the NCDC Dr Ibrahim Usman, during an interactive session yesterday with officials of the Ministry of Health, said the incident happened at Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.

    The session was also attended by the NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris and his team.

    Usman said prompt control measures were jointly taken by NCDC and the government to ascertain the disease as samples were taken to higher laboratories for test.

    According to him, the illness manifested with symptoms of abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss.

    He added: “It primarily afflicted children aged four to 13, and some adults. NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to work with the Ministry of Health to further investigate the matter.

    “All affected children were taken to Specialist hospital Sokoto for treatment, and residents of the affected areas have been sensitised on the dangers of the strange illness and advised to report cases promptly,”

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    Usman said interim results indicated varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders,” he noted.

    He commended the medical personnel efforts towards containing the spread and treatment of affected persons who were responding to treatments.

    Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA) Larai Tambuwal said the complications were largely from agricultural practices and other factors as climatic conditions, security challenges, sources of drinking water, open defecation, poor healthcare response, malnutrition by citizens and surrounding issues.

    “This is not the first occurrence as a similar incident happened in Tureta Local Government Area and was documented in 2023 without a conclusive diagnosis.” She advised for more clinical assessments to obtain the real origin of the infectious disease.

  • Sokoto strange illness claims four, 164 cases reported

    Sokoto strange illness claims four, 164 cases reported

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured the public over the outbreak of a strange illness in Sokoto State last month.

    Although the cause of the illness, which has resulted in four fatalities out of 164 reported cases, remains unknown, the agency’s Director General (DG), Jide Idris, stated that initial investigations indicated the disease is non-infectious and localised solely to Isa Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto State.

    He said while there’s no immediate cause for alarm regarding the disease’s transmission, even a single death is worrisome, which prompted the NCDC to broaden its collaboration, engaging external sister agencies, as well as the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) in addressing the Sokoto mystery illness.

    He further added that two suspected cases are under treatment at Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto with one patient discharged due to improved symptoms.

    He stated four additional suspected cases are hospitalised at Isa General Hospital aside from approximately 130 cases receiving treatment either at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or through home care within the affected LGA.

    During a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the DG confirmed that the agency and the Sokoto State Ministry of Health promptly responded to the reported outbreak.

    According to him: “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was notified by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on March 21, 2024, of reported cases of children presenting with symptoms which include abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss from Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    “Most of these cases are children aged 4–13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.

    “The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to work with the State Ministry of Health to further investigate and respond to this incident.

    “So far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified in six wards of Isa LGA Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (4), and Turba (11).

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    “Unfortunately four deaths have been recorded amongst the suspected cases. A similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis.

    “Initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the Teaching Hospital ruled out an infectious origin of this event, necessitating the need to search for other causes, including heavy metal testing. Results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases revealed different blood levels of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr)”.

    For a comprehensive analysis, Idris said the investigative team observed activities in the affected communities including mining, agricultural practices which involve the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, and the health-seeking behaviour and practices of the communities which may be detrimental to people’s health.

    “In this regard, various samples of materials have also been taken and dispatched for analyses, including blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns.

    “The NCDC is working in collaboration with other stakeholders to support the State Government in actively searching for cases and unravelling this outbreak, in spite of the security challenges affecting access to the community.

    “These include the Teaching hospital, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the State Ministry of Health, various Health workers, the Sokoto State Water Board, and other MDAs”, Idris noted.

    While sympathizing with the families of the deceased who have lost their loved ones to the disease, urged the people in the affected and nearby communities to be vigilant and report anyone presenting with the identified symptoms to the nearest health facilities to them or call NCDC toll free line (6232).

    Healthcare workers were also urged to report any suspected cases to LGA/State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or State Epidemiologist

  • Lassa fever: NCDC activates response efforts against rising cases

    Lassa fever: NCDC activates response efforts against rising cases

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has activated the national multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre for Lassa Fever (LF-EOC) due to the rapidly increasing cases of Lassa fever in the country.

    According to NCDC Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa in a statement on Thursday, as of January 7, 2023, there were 29 confirmed cases, with eight fatalities and a 27.6% case fatality rate, in comparison, on January 7, 2024, there were 53 confirmed cases, six fatalities, and an 11.3% case fatality rate, as shown by a Situation report

    He said the report indicated that in 2023, six states were affected, as opposed to nine in 2023 while the number of affected Local Government Areas increased from 13 in 2023 to 27 in 2024.

    Affected states so far include Ondo (13), Edo (13), Bauchi (11), Benue (6), Taraba (6), and 1 each from Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Plateau States, he added.

    Adetifa said the LF-EOC activation resulted from a risk assessment conducted by subject matter experts from relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, stakeholders, and major partners.

    According to him, the outcome of the risk assessment placed the country at “High Risk” of increased risk of Lassa fever transmission and impact due to the increased number of states reporting cases.

    In 2023, a rise in the number of cases was reported from week 49 and associated healthcare workers infection over three weeks, he noted, saying, “This upsurge indicated an early peak into the high transmission season nationally, although, this is usually seen from January to May annually.

    “Cumulatively, 9155 suspected cases, 1270 confirmed cases and 227 deaths; Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 17.9% were reported for 2023 (across 28 states and 124 LGAs).

    “The zones of impact of Lassa fever have been increasing across the country with risk of international exposures”.

    He added that high case fatality in confirmed cases; the low index of suspicion among healthcare workers; healthcare worker infections and deaths; and continued attrition of essential healthcare made it imperative for the agency to be proactive in tackling the disease.

    “Although we have more confirmed than week 1 of 2023, the current CFR of 11.6% is lower than that for the same reporting week of 2023 (CFR of 27.6%). 

    “Prior to the activation of EOC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH & SW) through the NCDC had taken several steps in preparation for the Lassa fever season which include issuing alert letters to States to guide state-level preparedness, readiness, and response activities for Lassa fever, among other steps.

    “The LF-EOC activation will coordinate a national response particularly across affected states to help minimise suffering, reduce mortality, interrupt disease transmission, and address socioeconomic complications caused by Lassa fever using a one health approach. 

    “This national response requires all of the government and all of the people’s participation along with the support of partners and other stakeholders.

    Read Also: Lassa fever: NCDC directs healthcare workers to take standard IPC measures

    “While the NCDC has the mandate to lead the prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies, this is done in collaboration and with the support of States who also have to develop and implement evidence-driven outbreak response plans for their territories.

    “Members of the public have a collective responsibility to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as well as food hygiene in the fight against Lassa fever.

    “We urgently urge the public and healthcare workers to remain vigilant.

    “Early detection and immediate presentation at health facilities significantly increase survival chances.

    “The NCDC remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and is actively working towards reducing the fatality rate to a single digit”, Adetifa added.

  • Lassa fever: NCDC directs healthcare workers to take standard IPC measures

    Lassa fever: NCDC directs healthcare workers to take standard IPC measures

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has directed healthcare workers to implement the standard Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures to check the spread of Lassa fever in the country.

     The agency’s Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

     Adetifa, who described IPC as an essential and integral aspect of the clinical management of Lassa fever, stressed that “all healthcare workers should have high index of suspicion for Lassa Fever in individuals who have not responded to standard anti-malaria treatment”.

     He added that the suspicion should also apply to resistance of treatment for other common infectious diseases within 48-72 hours.

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     The director general said immediate nationwide diagnosis of samples testing laboratories was ongoing.

     Adetifa said reports from the preparedness survey in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were shared to assess readiness.

     He added: “The responses will facilitate the hosting of the first Lassa fever webinar in 2024, focusing on Empowering Communities to Combat Lassa Fever.”

     The NCDC boss said there was a meeting with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aimed at enhancing research during outbreaks and peacetime.

     An off-site support on IPC and safe burials was provided to affected states, he noted.

     But Adetifa noted that challenges persisted, including late case presentations.

     He said: “Poor health-seeking behaviour, driven by high cost of treatment and inadequate environmental sanitatary conditions in high-burden communities, are notable concerns.

     “Moreover, there’s lack of awareness in communities, posing additional challenges to effective response measures.”

  • NCDC allays fears over outbreak of Dengue fever in Sokoto

    NCDC allays fears over outbreak of Dengue fever in Sokoto

    • ‘More cases of Lassa fever recorded in 2023’

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State.

    In a statement posted on its website at the weekend, NCDC Director General Ifedayo Adetifa hinted that the virus had been reported in three local government areas (LGAs) of Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamakko (three cases), and Dange Shuni (one case).

    He said: “Concurrently at the national level, measures have been taken by the NEVHD-TWG following input from arbovirus institute and review of entomological surveillance data to inform action and strengthen preparedness for a large-scale DENV outbreak in Nigeria. 

    “These include: The NCDC Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) has been activated in alert mode.

    “Development of an emergency incident action plan for DENV has commenced.

    “A review of case definitions for DENV.

    “The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has sent out warning notifications to all Subnational Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs).”

    To underscore the seriousness of the issue, according to Adetifa, a follow-up of suspected cases had begun.

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    According to him, Nigeria has an active infection prevention and control (IPC) programme nationwide with guidelines and training packages developed for healthcare workers.

    Adetifa said: ”Trained Rapid Response Teams are on standby to be deployed in the event of a nationwide outbreak.

    “A medical countermeasures plan is being developed. A risk communication and engagement strategy has been developed to strengthen preparedness activities, which include a review of risk communication protocols, plans, and messages in the event of a wider outbreak.

    “Proposed research project with the National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre across the six geopolitical zones to better understand the disease vector.”

    Also, Nigeria may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever this year compared to previous years, the NCDC has said.

    In a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website yesterday, the NCDC said: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.”

    But the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies had contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.

    NCDC added: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country. 

    “We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment. 

    “In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 LGAs. 

    “Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 LGAs. 

    “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever, and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.

    “Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers. 

    “This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.

    “This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.”

  • Nigeria records more Lassa fever in 2023 – NCDC

    Nigeria records more Lassa fever in 2023 – NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said the country may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever in 2023 compared to previous years.

    According to the agency, the increasing cases of the disease, resulting in approximately 200 deaths in 2023, including health workers, have intensified the challenge of inadequate human resources for health in the country.

    The agency, in a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website on Sunday and signed by the Director General (DG), Ifedayo Adetifa, stated: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases”.

    However, the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies have contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.

    It reads in part: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country. 

    “We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not 

    limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment. 

    “In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 Local Government Areas (LGAs). 

    “Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1067 confirmed cases across 27 States and 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs). 

    “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.

    “Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers. 

    “This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.

    “This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.

    “Now that the dry season is here, the NCDC’s Lassa Fever TWG has implemented strategic 

    measures to enhance coordination, collaboration, and communication, enhancing preparedness and readiness for potential surges in Lassa fever cases. 

    “These measures include: Conducting biweekly National TWG meetings to improve preparedness, readiness, and response activities for control and management of Lassa fever using a One Health approach.

    “Joint alert with the cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) TWG was sent to States to guide state- –

    level preparedness, readiness, and response activities in Lassa fever and CSM during this 

    season that both diseases share. 

    “Capacity building of some healthcare workers across all the geopolitical zones on Lassa fever 

    preparedness, readiness, and response through the pilot Lassa fever clinical management 

    fellowship.

    “Conducting a bi-weekly Lassa fever webinar series on topics covering the different pillars of 

    the TWG (case management, surveillance, IPC, Risk communication, logistics, etc.) to get all 

    actors in control and management of Lassa fever ready for the predicted surge in confirmed 

    case numbers.

    “Prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control, laboratory diagnosis, etc. in all Lassa fever treatment centres in the country.

    “An update of the national incident action plan (IAP) to take on board lessons from the last 

    outbreak and findings from the recently concluded surge preparedness workshop.

    “Publishing weekly situation reports for Lassa fever in Nigeria to guide decision-making and 

    foster further collaboration across different sectors”.

    The agency, however, advised the public to take preventative steps against the disease to always keep their environment clean; block all holes in their house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents; and cover their dustbins, and dispose of refuse properly. 

    Furthermore, the communities are advised to set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes, in addition, to safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc, in tightly sealed or well-covered containers; and practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers when necessary.

    Healthcare workers were also advised to always practice standard infection prevention and control practices, by using gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment while handling patients or providing care for an ill patient, among other steps.

  • NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

    NCDC denies fresh outbreak of COVID-19 in Benue

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has debunked reports of fresh outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Benue state.

    The agency said there was no fresh case of the disease in the state.

    NCDC Director General (DG), Ifedayo Adetifa, said the media report is a complete misinterpretation of a statement made on December 11, by a World Health Organization’s (WHO) state surveillance officer at the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media Personnel Meeting organised by the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with the WHO. 

    According to Adetifa in a statement issued on Thursday, December 14, the surveillance officer, while giving her presentation on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Benue, stated that “Benue state had recorded a total of 25 cases in the year 2023 with the last case recorded as of mid-April. 

    He said the information provided by the surveillance officer was based on the publicly available situation report (SITREP) published weekly by the State Ministry of Health.

    Since the announcement of the index case of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the DG noted that there have been a total number of 6,013, 826 tests conducted, 267,184 confirmed cases, and 3,155 deaths. 

    Besides, in the last quarter of the year (October to December 2023), there have been a total of 15,481 tests conducted, and 75 confirmed cases confirmed cases in 25 States, he affirmed.

    The statement reads in part: “Since the WHO official declaration that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the federal government of Nigeria, through the NCDC, has included COVID-19 in the integrated disease surveillance strategy as priority infectious disease which now requires conducting routine COVID-19 testing and reporting it along with other infectious diseases. 

    “COVID-19 testing is part of clinical care for pandemic flu preparedness, and bi-directional testing during investigations for influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and in high-risk populations.

    “As COVID-19 may be associated with severe illness, hospitalization, and death among the elderly and other established high-risk groups, we continue to test for and detect COVID-19 cases throughout the year from patients presenting with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) or Influenza-like illness (ILI). 

    “Ongoing efforts to streamline surveillance for pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory pathogens of interest e.g Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections include the transition from existing sentinel influenza surveillance and COVID-19 testing platforms to panrespiratory disease surveillance (PRDS) platform that will pick up changes in admissions and other outcomes related to priority respiratory pathogens.”

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    The DG implored the media to uphold the ethics of the profession as they carry out their duties of information and educating the public.

    He said: “As the fourth estate of the realm, the role of the media is both critical and indispensable to 

    public health and national security and the NCDC values our partnership with our media colleagues. 

    “While we appreciate this collaboration, we will continue to reiterate the importance of responsible reporting to ensure the dissemination of accurate information and to avert any public health threat that may arise from the infodemics that follow incorrect and/or sensational health reports. 

    “This is essential in preventing any misinformation that could fuel unnecessary 

    concern and panic among Nigerians.

    “The NCDC remains committed to protecting the health of Nigerians and ensuring trust through transparency by consistently fostering open communication channels and providing accurate and timely information on issues of public health importance”.

  • Fed Govt unveils strategy to tackle pandemics

    Fed Govt unveils strategy to tackle pandemics

    The Federal government yesterday launched its Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023-2027 in furtherance of its firm stand against emerging public health threats and evolving challenges.

        The five-year strategy identified seven goals, 41 objectives, and 225 activities of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) whereby multi-sectoral coordinated collaborative efforts of the Federal government, State and Local governments, including the private sector, and development partners would ensure an improvement and transformation of the nation’s public health security.

     The second edition of the Strategic Plan was launched in Abuja yesterday during the NCDC Health Security Partners meeting.

     While launching the document, NCDC Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa, said the new strategy is focused on systems, scaling, and sustainability leveraging the Strategic, Ambitious, Speed, and Scale – SASS approach to accelerate the impact of health security interventions in Nigeria, while also helping to serve as a model to other African countries.

    Read Also: FG unveils health security strategy to tackle pandemics

     According to him, the NCDC Strategy 2.0 was a result of its successful predecessor, the NCDC Strategy and Implementation Plan 2017-2021 which enabled the agency to build on its strengths, further close identified gaps, and embrace innovation to achieve its overarching goals and objectives.

     He said Nigeria has been able to blaze a trail with its response to the coronavirus pandemic with what it has been able to put in place since the aftermath of COVID-19.

     Nigeria not only improved its Joint External Evaluation (JEE) from 39 per cent in 2018 to 54 per cent in 2023, but it has also become the third country in the world to conduct the second JEE.

      The JEE is part of the tool the World Health Organization (WHO) use to access countries health security

  • NCDC, partners launch research project against Mpox response

    NCDC, partners launch research project against Mpox response

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and its partners have completed a strategy to strengthen mpox outbreak prevention, response and control in Nigeria.

    They have also mapped out similar endemic settings of the mpox virus through research project.

    Mpox virus, formerly called Monkeypox, causes the most important global human orthopoxvirus disease since smallpox was eradicated in 1979.

    Since the virus re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017, reported cases have continued to increase annually.

    From 2017 to date, there have been 2,668 suspected cases, 975 confirmed cases, and 14 deaths with Lagos and Rivers states accounting for the highest burden of the disease.

    The 2022 global outbreak, which affected over 100 countries, coincided with Nigeria’s largest outbreak with 762 confirmed from more than 2,000 suspected cases.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC said though the increase is likely attributed to improved surveillance (reporting and testing capacities), there are important gaps in clinical and epidemiological knowledge of mpox in Nigeria that are not limited to the hypothesised loss of protection from historical smallpox vaccination, lack of clarity about the actual animal reservoir, and emerging genomics data suggesting transmission may now be entirely human to human.

    The NCDC boss said the knowledge gaps, in part, have hampered the development and deployment of effective control measures.

    The statement reads: “Today, October 16, 2023, marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve our understanding and providing evidence to strengthen mpox outbreak prevention, response and control in Nigeria and similar endemic settings of the mpox virus through the research project, titled: Epidemiological and Clinical Investigation of mpox in Nigeria: A Multi-Disciplinary Research Project To Inform Case Management and Outbreak Prevention and Control.

    Read Also: Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Adamawa highest in cholera cases, says NCDC

    “The research project will be completed over two years and will cover the following thematic areas of clinical characteristics and natural history of mpox disease: essential epidemiological parameters and factors associated with infection and transmission; and experience of people infected with mpox and those close to them.

    “There will be two work packages – the Clinical Study: This will help address knowledge gaps in the clinical understanding of the virus and the natural history of infection; and One Health Study: This will help to increase understanding of the dynamics of infection and transmission in the Nigerian context.

    “The research project launch attendees include the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and representatives from all collaborating stakeholders and partners from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC).”

    Dr. Adetifa said: “Today, we begin the journey of knowledge, unity, and determination. In partnership with dedicated researchers and institutions, we set out to unravel the unknowns of the mpox virus through bridging clinical and One Health studies.

    “This project symbolises our unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians, and in turn the world, embracing the power of research, and the strength of collaboration.

    “As we work together, may we move closer to a world free from the threat of mpox that ensures the wellbeing of generations to come.”

    The Co-Project Lead, Deputy Director for Research from the UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), Prof. Gwenda Hughes said: “The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST) is delighted to be part of this exciting collaboration between NCDC and other partners to better understand the clinical characteristics, pattern of infection and spread of mpox in Nigeria – a disease that has greatly affected Nigerian communities, especially in recent years.

    “The UK-PHRST will support Nigerian colleagues to answer important scientific questions through this extensive research programme and will also help deliver training of local laboratory staff and field teams.

    “Our microbiology specialists have already provided lab equipment and shared expertise to help build local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.

    “Through co-creation and by taking a partner-led approach with our Nigerian colleagues, our aim is to support improved case, contact management, and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox both in Nigeria and globally.

    “This research launch further highlights the NCDC’s commitment to achieving one of its core functions, which is to conduct, collate, synthesise, and disseminate public health research to inform policy.

    “Findings from this research project will play a key role in strengthening detection, prevention, response, and control in Nigeria, and inform practice across the world.”

    Before the 2022 global Mpox outbreak, the NCDC, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, the United Kingdom Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST – an innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, funded with UK aid by the UK Department of Health and Social Care), and stakeholders in Lagos and Rivers States agreed to collaborate on a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at addressing Mpox knowledge gaps that would improve the public health response to the virus in Nigeria and beyond.

  • Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Adamawa highest in cholera cases, says NCDC

    Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Adamawa highest in cholera cases, says NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has named Zamfara, Cross River, Adamawa, and Ogun as states with the highest cholera cases in the country.

    NCDC’s Incident Manager for Cholera Technical Working Group, Dr. Sebastian Yennan, announced this at the monthly meeting of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergency Working Group yesterday in Abuja.

    Yennan said the cases were updates from the centre’s Epidemiology Week 39.

    The incident manager assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing in providing response materials to affected states across the country.

    He said NCDC’s intervention through cholera case management was carried out in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) by distributing infection prevention and control kits, WASH kits, chlorine powder, among others, to affected communities.

    Yennan said the intervention was being prioritised in the four states, adding that the kits distributed could also be used in other emergency situations, like Lassa fever and diphtheria outbreaks.

    “The NCDC has partnered a third party logistics company in the distribution of commodities and also to bring samples. Our cholera response is at the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “In Zamfara, for instance, the governor visited the cholera treatment centre in Anka Local Government Area that was built by Doctors Without Borders/MSF. They have received response commodities,” he said.

    Yennen said states must do more to prioritise cholera prevention by ensuring that funds are budgeted early and are accessible.

    The incident manager stated that the centre is in charge of administration of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

    The fund, he said, was packaged to strengthen the national health system.

    Read Also: Cholera kills 84, infects 2,860 in 25 States, says NCDC

    Yennan advised states to preposition their needs to access it before, during, and after any disease outbreak.

    He also urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships to promote advocacy towards prevention of health emergency in the country.

    Also, a representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Dapo Akingbade, said following the release of excess water from Lagdo dam in Cameroon, 13 states experienced flooding.

    According to him, 171,545 persons were displaced in the affected states, while property and farmlands were destroyed, with no fewer than 45 deaths.

    Akingbade, who gave an update on cholera outbreaks across the country, said the agency had begun assessment of flood situation in Adamawa with the activation of the emergency operation centre for coordinating interventions.

    “The flooding in Adamawa has impacted on a lot of people and communities, at the EOC meeting, we recommended that all states should activate their flood response plan.

    “Also, we are also awaiting a detailed Needs Assessment report from Adamawa so as to know the appropriate areas APC response,” he said.

    The National Consultant for Public Health and Environment at WHO Nigeria, Dr. Edwin Isotu-Edeh, said there was need for all partners to increase their investments for the WASH sector.