NIGERIA — The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has joined forces with a consortium of partners in a pioneering research endeavor aimed at bolstering the response to the Mpox Virus in Nigeria.
This collaborative initiative seeks to expand our understanding of the virus’s clinical characteristics, its patterns of infection, and transmission dynamics.
The comprehensive research project is set to make significant strides in addressing critical knowledge gaps related to the Mpox Virus, which has emerged as a growing public health concern in Nigeria and other endemic areas.
Through a multi-disciplinary approach, this research endeavor is poised to provide invaluable insights for more effective outbreak prevention, response, and control measures.
The emergence of the Mpox virus, formerly known as Monkeypox, has become a growing global health concern, with Nigeria at the forefront of this alarming situation.
Since its re-emergence in the country back in 2017, the reported cases have been on a relentless upward trajectory, sounding a clear warning signal.
Over the course of the period spanning 2017 to the present, there have been 2,668 suspected cases, 975 confirmed cases, and a tragic toll of 14 deaths. Lagos and Rivers States bear the brunt of this burden, grappling with the highest number of cases.
In 2022, the global outbreak of Mpox, affecting over 100 countries, coincided with Nigeria’s largest-ever outbreak, witnessing 762 confirmed cases amidst more than 2,000 suspected ones.
While the surge in reported cases can be attributed, in part, to improved surveillance, reporting, and testing capabilities, crucial gaps in clinical and epidemiological knowledge of Mpox within Nigeria persist.
These knowledge gaps include concerns over the loss of protection from historical smallpox vaccination, uncertainty about the actual animal reservoir, and emerging genomics data indicating possible human-to-human transmission.
Addressing these knowledge gaps is critical for the development and implementation of effective control measures.
To tackle this formidable challenge head-on, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has embarked on a groundbreaking multidisciplinary research project in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders.
The project, titled “Epidemiological and Clinical Investigation of Mpox in Nigeria: A Multidisciplinary Research Project to Inform Case Management and Outbreak Prevention and Control,” is slated to span two years, covering several pivotal thematic areas.
The first aspect of this comprehensive research delves into the clinical characteristics and natural history of Mpox disease.
The second thematic area focuses on crucial epidemiological parameters and factors that influence infection and transmission.
Additionally, the project seeks to explore the experiences of individuals affected by Mpox and those closely connected to them.
This research project consists of two key work packages, each with a distinct focus. The Clinical Study, the first component, aims to bridge knowledge gaps related to the clinical aspects of the virus and understand the natural progression of the infection.
It endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the disease manifests in individuals and its course over time.
The second work package, the One Health Study, takes a different approach by investigating the intricate dynamics of infection and transmission within the specific context of Nigeria.
Adopting a holistic One Health perspective, it aims to uncover the various factors and interactions contributing to the virus’s spread in this region.
This approach seeks to enhance our understanding of how the disease moves between human and potentially animal hosts, shedding light on critical aspects of its transmission.
The launch of this research project on October 16, 2023, signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing quest to enhance understanding and provide evidence to bolster the prevention, response, and control of Mpox outbreaks, not only in Nigeria but also in similar endemic regions.
Key figures present at the launch included the Honourable Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, along with representatives from collaborating stakeholders and partners from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC).
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General of the NCDC, emphasized the commitment to advancing knowledge, unity, and determination, highlighting the project’s significance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the Mpox virus.
The project symbolizes a dedicated effort to safeguard the health of Nigerians and global populations through research and collaboration.
Dr. Chinwe Lucia Ochu, co-project lead from the NCDC, underscored the project’s significance in mitigating the profound impact of Mpox outbreaks on lives, particularly within vulnerable communities.
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