By Aminat Umar
…Activates Emergency Operations Centre Amid Rising Mpox Concerns
.Launches Public Health Campaign on Mpox
In response to rising global alarm over the Mpox virus and the emergence of the Clade 1B variant, the Lagos State Government has rolled out an extensive array of public health initiatives. These measures aim to safeguard residents and prevent the spread of the virus through proactive strategies and community engagement.
At a media briefing at the Protea Hotel in Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, unveiled a comprehensive strategy to protect the state from a looming threat. He detailed the multipronged approach, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents through coordinated efforts and proactive measures.
In a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that Prof. Abayomi unveiled three pivotal achievements in Lagos State’s fight against Mpox. The first milestone is an extensive stakeholder engagement, bringing together experts from diverse fields to discuss the management of Mpox at both local and global levels. This collaborative approach marks a significant step forward in the state’s public health strategy.
The next critical milestone involves launching a dedicated Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to closely monitor and respond to the Mpox outbreak, with a sharp focus on the Clade 1B variant. This specialized hub will serve as the nerve center for coordinating efforts, tracking the virus’s spread, and implementing targeted interventions.
The third milestone marks the launch of a statewide public health campaign designed to educate residents about Mpox. This initiative focuses on raising awareness of the associated risks and empowering people with preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities.
The Commissioner highlighted a pressing issue: the Clade 1B variant is swiftly advancing through Central Africa. Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this variant has rapidly spread to adjacent nations, including Cameroon, Rwanda, and Burundi, prompting growing alarm across the region.
“This variant is distinct from the indigenous Clade 2 variant, which has been detected sporadically in West Africa. Although Lagos has no active cases at present, however, the risk posed by the more aggressive Clade 1B variant remains a significant concern due to Lagos’s extensive travel connections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak in the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response”, he said.
In response to the looming threat of the Clade 1B variant, Lagos State is leveraging its hard-earned expertise from previous health crises, including Ebola, COVID-19, cholera, and Lassa fever. Professor Abayomi emphasized that these proactive measures are designed to stave off the potential health and economic devastation that could arise from the introduction of this new variant. The state’s robust approach reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding both public health and economic stability.
The Commissioner shed light on Mpox, a disease in the same family as smallpox and cowpox, which begins its journey from animals to humans, often through rodents and monkeys. This zoonotic disease, however, doesn’t stop there; it can spread from person to person through close contact. The Clade 1B variant of Mpox, in particular, has proven to be more transmissible, especially within intimate settings.
The commissioner issued a cautionary note, highlighting that although Lagos is currently free from active Mpox cases, the city must stay alert. The aggressive variant of the virus poses a looming threat, and vigilance is essential to prevent its potential entry and spread
Ahead of the media briefing, a mini-symposium on Mpox brought together a distinguished panel of global health experts. The event featured insights from leading figures and organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), as well as Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). The symposium offered a deep dive into the latest developments and strategies in combating Mpox, setting the stage for informed discussions and interventions.
“These experts discussed the risks posed by the Clade 1B variant to Lagos and the steps needed to create a biological shield against the virus. The collective goal is to ensure that Lagos is fully prepared to manage any potential outbreak and minimize its impact”, Prof. Abayomi said.
In light of Lagos State’s dense population and complex travel connections, the Commissioner has issued a call for heightened vigilance in the face of contagious diseases. Emphasizing the city’s susceptibility to rapid outbreaks, the Commissioner urged both the public and healthcare professionals to stay alert, ready to swiftly identify, diagnose, and handle Mpox cases with precision.
“The activation of the EOC and the launch of the public awareness campaign are critical components of this strategy. As part of the proactive measures, a comprehensive public health awareness campaign has been rolled out across Lagos. This campaign seeks to inform the public about the symptoms of Mpox, such as fever, joint pain, body aches, and distinctive rashes. Residents are urged to report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest health facility for prompt evaluation”, he stated.
He revealed that Lagos State is proactively tackling the threat of Mpox by exploring various vaccine options. The state has formed dedicated local research teams to provide expert guidance on government policies related to the disease. These initiatives are designed to enhance Lagos’ readiness for potential outbreaks and ensure a prompt, effective response to any future challenges.
Despite Lagos currently being free of active Mpox cases, the Commissioner assured that the state government remains steadfast in its dedication to readiness. “Our vigilance will not waver,” the Commissioner declared, emphasizing the state’s commitment to preparedness and ongoing proactive measures.
Similarly, Prof. Abayomi extended heartfelt thanks to all partners and collaborators for their unwavering support in combating Mpox. He highlighted the crucial role of collective action in protecting Lagos from the looming threats of the disease, emphasizing that their combined efforts are vital in ensuring the city’s safety.
Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health at Lagos State Ministry of Health, recently shed light on the symptoms of the Clade 1B variant. His detailed briefing painted a vivid picture of the variant’s impact, outlining how it manifests with distinct and concerning symptoms.
He emphasized the intense severity of rashes linked to this particular variant, noting that those emerging in the genital area are especially painful and more pronounced compared to standard Mpox rashes.
Dr. Abdus-Salam urgently highlighted the importance of swiftly identifying and isolating Mpox cases to curb the spread of the Clade 1B variant across Lagos. His call to action underscores a critical need for immediate response measures to contain this particular strain and prevent further outbreaks in the city.
“The state’s public health systems are on high alert, ready to act swiftly to protect residents from this virulent strain”, he said.
It should be noted at this juncture that Lagos State is setting a new standard in public health with its innovative and forward-thinking strategies. By prioritizing a comprehensive approach, Lagos is not only addressing current health challenges but also preparing for future needs. This proactive model serves as an inspiring blueprint for other regions, showcasing how integrated planning and community-focused initiatives can transform public health outcomes.
Conclusively, in response to the growing global health threat posed by Mpox, especially the formidable Clade 1B variant, the state has launched a proactive campaign to halt its entry and dissemination. This concerted effort underscores the state’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health and safety of its residents amidst evolving health challenges.
