A medical expert, Associate Professor Ishaku Akyala, has urged the federal government to reactivate the Presidential Task Force that was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to the rising cases of mpox across Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Akyala, who specializes in infectious diseases at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, emphasized the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to prevent the mpox outbreak from escalating into a national health emergency.
Drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Akyala stressed that the reactivation of the Presidential Task Force could be crucial in curbing the spread of mpox. “The recent surge in mpox cases across multiple states underscores the urgent need for immediate action to protect public health,” he stated.
He highlighted the vital role that the Presidential Task Force, which played a central part in managing the COVID-19 crisis, could once again play. “The task force has the experience, resources, and personnel necessary to mount an effective and swift response to the mpox outbreak,” Akyala added.
Akyala also pointed out the challenges in diagnosing mpox, particularly in its early stages or when symptoms are atypical. He explained that other non-infectious skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or drug reactions, could sometimes mimic mpox, leading to potential misdiagnosis. “Conditions like impetigo or secondary syphilis can present with lesions similar to mpox, complicating the diagnostic process based solely on symptoms,” he noted.
To ensure accurate diagnosis, Akyala emphasized the importance of laboratory testing, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, to detect viral DNA. He also called for an aggressive approach by the task force that goes beyond merely addressing human-to-human transmission.
Furthermore, Akyala stressed the importance of training healthcare workers to recognize and manage mpox, particularly in regions where the disease is less commonly seen. He noted that adequate preparation and awareness among healthcare providers are essential to controlling the outbreak effectively.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, established in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was pivotal in coordinating Nigeria’s multi-sectoral efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Akyala believes that reactivating this task force could provide the structured and coordinated response needed to address the mpox outbreak.
As of now, Nigeria has reported 48 mpox cases across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with no deaths recorded, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). To support efforts in controlling the outbreak, the U.S. government recently provided Nigeria with 10,000 vaccine doses on August 27.
