Health experts have cautioned that mpox remains an active and growing threat in Nigeria, urging swift action to prevent the virus from becoming endemic.
Former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Adewole stressed during a recent webinar that Nigeria must not be complacent. “We cannot sleep. The virus is finding its way across communities, and Nigeria must act decisively to prevent it from becoming endemic,” he warned. Drawing parallels with Lassa fever, he noted how infectious diseases in Nigeria can evolve from seasonal outbreaks to year-round transmission.
Adewole emphasized strengthening vaccination programs, especially for healthcare workers and high-risk groups, and called for better post-infection containment. He also highlighted the rapid movement of people across Nigeria, cautioning that no one should assume they are immune.
Public health specialists, including Prof. Richard Adegbola, Dr. Sebastine Oiwoh, and Victor Erunkunakpor, supported Adewole’s warning. They stressed the importance of vaccination, community engagement, and education to curb mpox’s spread.
Erunkunakpor pointed out that mild cases could go unnoticed, allowing the virus to spread silently. He advocated for classifying high-risk individuals, expanding vaccination efforts, and using survivors as community ambassadors to reduce fear and stigma.
Prof. Adegbola highlighted the social and psychological aspects of disease management, noting that misinformation and stigma can hinder outbreak response. He called for continued investment in laboratory capacity, public awareness, and understanding social determinants of health, such as poverty and access to care.
Dr. Oiwoh drew from his clinical experience since Nigeria’s first mpox cases in 2017, emphasizing the need for community-level action alongside hospital care. He noted that while mild cases can be managed at home, complications—such as eye lesions—require immediate hospital attention. He also highlighted the value of digital health tools like tele-consultation and digital reporting systems in tracking and managing outbreaks.
The experts agreed that national and international coordination is vital. They stressed the urgent need for vaccination, clear treatment protocols, laboratory capacity, community education, and systematic data collection to prevent mpox from taking permanent hold in Nigeria.
“Vigilance, rapid response, and community-centered strategies are essential. The time to act is now,” Adewole concluded.
