REVIEW: Inadequate funding plagues Nigeria’s health sector, as NCDC struggles with lasting solution to rising Mpox cases

As monkeypox cases steadily rise across Nigeria, health workers are finding themselves on the frontlines of an uphill battle. In bustling cities and quiet towns alike, cases are emerging, each one a reminder of the virus’ relentless spread.

Health staff are striving to keep pace, but they face mounting challenges which include insufficient funding, shortages of essential medical supplies, and a population that often remains unaware of the virus’ risks.

Despite past outbreaks teaching valuable lessons, the system’s struggle to respond quickly and effectively is evident. Conversations echo through Nigeria’s public health spaces, as officials grapple with the question that lingers on everyone’s mind: why, with all the knowledge and resources available, is the country still unable to bring this outbreak under control?

In a nation that has faced numerous health crises, this battle against monkeypox feels both familiar and frustrating. For health workers and citizens alike, it’s a race against time to find solutions before the virus tightens its grip further.

Monkeypox (Mpox) in Nigeria and Africa

The latest data released by Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), says that as of September 29, 2024, Nigeria had 1,237 suspected mpox cases, with 84 confirmed cases (7% positivity rate).

It notes that Mpox is transmitted through contact with infected rodents, individuals, or contaminated items. Symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions. While there is no specific treatment, antiviral drugs can help manage the condition. Most cases are mild, with recovery occurring within a few weeks.

Statistics of people with Mpox in Nigeria from 2017-2022
Photo Credit: NCDC

Also, NCDC in a separate publication explained that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms and a rash. There is no proven treatment, but it usually goes away on its own.

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Similarly, a report by World Health Organization (WHO), states that the most affected country in 2024 continues to be the Democratic Republic of the Congo with (6169 confirmed cases, 25 deaths), followed by Burundi (987 confirmed cases, no deaths) and Nigeria (94 confirmed cases, no deaths). South Kivu is the most affected province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reporting the highest number of suspected and confirmed mpox cases.

Photo Credit: World Health Organization

Transmission of Monkeypox

Osunranti Rachel Oluwadunsin, a community health worker at Capstone lunar hospital Ilorin, said monkeypox is a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which transmit from animal to human via contact (primary transmission), then human to human contact (secondary transmission)

Rachel explained that primary contact is with infected animals (rodents, non-human primates, wildlife), animal bites or scratches, or contact with infected animal bodily fluids (blood, saliva, urine), while secondary transmission are caused by close physical contact with an infected person, respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking); contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, sexual transmission (intimate contact, particularly among men who have sex with other men).

Photo Credit: NCDC (Monkeypox Vaccine)

Challenges Affecting Healthcare System in Combating Mpox

Speaking further, Miss Rachel explained that inadequate funding and resources are major issues in combating Mpox. While pointing fingers at shortage of public health workers and limited healthcare infrastructure which have limited laboratory capacity.

However, she noted that poor disease surveillance, inadequate data management makes it difficult to trace, monitor and identify some cases.

Similarly, Rachel also highlighted that there are limited vaccines and the ones available are of high cost with limited access to antiviral medications.

Prevention and Community Response

Racheal told this reoortert that to prevent the spread of monkeypox, residents and travelers in endemic areas should avoid contact with sick or dead animals, practice good hygiene, and report any illness to healthcare professionals

She further explained that the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) are working together to investigate suspected cases, monitor contacts, and enhance surveillance.

By: Peter Emmanuel

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