National Primary Health Care Development Agency Kicks Off Mpox Vaccination In Nigeria

Health

The symptoms of the disease include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can be painful and may appear on various parts of the body. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or birth.

Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced the commencement of vaccination against the monkeypox, which officially kicked off on November 18, 2024.

The national health agency, in a statement, stated that the campaign is geared toward “protecting communities and safeguarding health—one step at a time.”

Monkeypox is a viral disease that has been affecting parts of Africa for decades. As of November 2024, over 53,000 cases of mpox have been reported across 19 African countries, with 1,109 deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen the largest increase in cases.

The symptoms of the disease include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash can be painful and may appear on various parts of the body. The virus spreads through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or birth.

While most people recover within a few weeks, some cases can be severe, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

In response to the outbreak, the Africa CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of continental security in mid-August 2024, and efforts are ongoing to expand testing and ramp up local manufacturing of medical supplies.

The disease remains a significant public health concern in Africa, and efforts to control its spread are ongoing.