The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that 54 new suspected Mpox cases were recorded in Nigeria during Week 39 of 2024, marking a decline from the 75 cases reported in the previous week.

The NCDC stated this in its latest epidemiological report published on its official website.

According to the agency, the number of confirmed Mpox cases increased, with six new confirmations in Week 39 compared to three the week before.

“The cumulative figures for 2024 show that 84 confirmed cases and 1,237 suspected cases have been reported so far this year,” it said.

Despite the rise in confirmed cases, it said that the country has maintained a low Case Fatality Rate (CFR), with zero deaths recorded from confirmed cases in 2024.

The public health agency noted that as of Week 39, 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported confirmed cases of Mpox, affecting 57 Local Government Areas. Plateau, Delta, FCT, Katsina, and Imo states confirmed new cases in the past week.

“Since the outbreak began in September 2017, Nigeria has reported 5,054 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases, with males making up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, mostly aged 21 to 45,” it added.

It said that the National Mpox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to coordinate the response to the outbreak, collaborating with multiple sectors and partners to contain the spread.

The NCDC explained the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintaining good hand hygiene, and using protective gear when caring for suspected cases.

It noted that healthcare providers have been urged to remain vigilant, especially in affected areas, and to isolate suspected cases promptly to prevent further transmission.

The agency said it’s also actively engaged in public education, encouraging citizens to report symptoms early and adhere to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with Mpox.

“The public is advised to exercise caution, particularly in states where cases have been reported. Citizens can contact the NCDC’s toll-free number (6232) for more information or to report suspected cases,” the agency advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe.

Mpox is characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The disease can spread from animals to humans, as well as between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

(NAN)

By Francesca Hngeior.

A primary healthcare consultant, Dr Yewande Omikunle, has canvassed an improvement in breast cancer education in Nigeria.

Omikunle said a comprehensive health policy reform is one way to get this done.

Omikunle, who is the Director of Public Affairs at Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foundation (SAOF Cancer Charity), said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annually held in October.

She expressed concern that despite spreading breast cancer awareness, some communities in the country are not adequately informed.

She said, “We must know that numerous ethical issues apply to breast cancer and other chronic cancer diagnoses including informed consent; education of relatives, friends, and the public; patients’ comfort in the discussion of their diagnoses and treatment; access to care; and allocation of scarce resources.

“Breast cancer remains a formidable health challenge in Nigeria, where a significant number of women succumb to the disease, often diagnosed in its late stages.

“The lack of knowledge, deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs, and various barriers impede regular breast cancer screening, contributing to the alarming mortality rates among Nigerian women.”

As part of efforts to raise enlightenment, the consultant noted that the SAOF cancer charity embarked on public awareness by dispelling myths, providing factual information, and advocating increased access to affordable and convenient screening services across Nigeria.

She said, “Nigerian society must address these barriers collectively and ensure that every woman has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to detect breast cancer early.

“By fostering a culture of openness, education, and proactive healthcare, we can strive towards reducing the burden of breast cancer mortality and improving the quality of life for all Nigerian women.

“As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, let us unite in the fight against breast cancer, breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and advocating for early detection and access to quality care. There is a need for stronger government intervention and support to bolster existing initiatives and ensure that breast cancer education reaches every corner of Nigeria.”

The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners, on Friday, fixed October 1 as the date for its members in Kano to embark on strike.

The Secretary of the Association in Kano, Dr Anas Hassan, made the disclosure, while addressing newsmen on the outcome of their meeting.

Anas stated that despite reaching an agreement with the state government three months ago, precisely in June to meet their demands, the government is yet to respond.

“The government has not addressed the issue of their hazard allowance, specifically the post-COVID-19 hazard allowance, which has been paid by the federal government since 2021 but is yet to be paid by the Kano State Government”, the Association lamented.

He further highlighted that some medical doctors, who were hired by the Kano State Government in September 2023, have not been paid their salaries.

Also, the medical practitioners expressed concern over the dilapidated state of Kano State hospitals and the lack of necessary equipment, stressing the urgent need to address these issues.

Anas highlighted the critical doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s standard.

He noted that there are an estimated 20 million people in Kano, served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.

The medical practitioners concluded that they had no other option but to embark on the strike on October 1, 2024.