FG, states must collaborate to tackle Mpox – Ex-Minister Adewole

A former Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, has called for stronger collaboration between the federal government and state authorities to curb the spread of Mpox, warning that the disease remains actively in circulation despite recent national response efforts. Adewole made the call during a webinar organised by Preventive Health Nigeria with the theme: “Mpox […]

A former Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, has called for stronger collaboration between the federal government and state authorities to curb the spread of Mpox, warning that the disease remains actively in circulation despite recent national response efforts.

Adewole made the call during a webinar organised by Preventive Health Nigeria with the theme: “Mpox Resurgence in Nigeria: Efforts, Challenges and Recommendations,” where he delivered an extensive presentation on Nigeria’s current Mpox situation and the steps needed to prevent further outbreaks.

Adewole noted that Nigeria had recorded 389 confirmed cases and six deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as at October 2025.

He identified Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa as high-risk areas where the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified surveillance.

“Nobody is immune,” he warned, stressing that Mpox remains a public health threat that requires heightened vigilance from the public and government institutions alike.

According to him, typical Mpox infestation lasts between 6 and 13 days, but evolving findings show that symptoms can occur even in the absence of visible skin infections. He urged Nigerians, especially those in affected states, to maintain a high index of suspicion and seek prompt medical evaluation when necessary.

He applauded the NCDC for improving laboratory capacity, expanding community awareness campaigns and collaborating with the Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO) on case notification and research.

Adewole underscored the need for preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with individuals who have rashes, regular handwashing with soap and water, and protective measures for caregivers and health workers. He also recommended wider vaccine access for high-risk groups.

While noting that Nigeria has not recorded an escalation of the outbreak, Adewole cautioned that Mpox remains an ongoing public health challenge.

“We should not go to sleep. Government at all levels, federal, state and local, must work together with non-government actors to address Mpox. Let the vaccines go around, let’s improve awareness and address underreporting due to stigma,” he said.

 

In his presentation, Dr Sebastine Oiwoh, a consultant dermatologist and venerologist at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo State said, “Everyone needs to pay special attention to how to prevent Mpox and should quickly present it to the hospital when they have rashes. The bottom line is that we should own our health and we should be able to prevent ourselves from being infected. Do not run away from your health care provider.”

In his opening remarks, the chief executive officer of Preventive Health Nigeria Advocacy Operations Ltd, Adekola Wojuola, a pharmacist, underscored the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding public health, using smallpox eradication as a striking example of their transformative power.

He highlighted the significant influence health care professionals hold in shaping public perception of vaccines.

He explained that Preventive Health Nigeria’s core mission was to address gaps by strengthening advocacy, especially among healthcare providers.

He commended the presentations by the experts, describing them as insightful and timely, especially as Nigeria intensifies efforts to control the disease and strengthen high-risk state surveillance.