Mpox in Cross River
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has confirmed an alarming outbreak of Monkeypox (Mpox), with 117 suspected and 14 confirmed cases across eight local government areas.
The affected areas include Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Ogoja, Yala, Yakurr, and Obudu. Health officials are stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
In response, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has taken swift action. Together, they trained 200 community-based volunteers to tackle the outbreak effectively.
The two-day training program was organized in three clusters and focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and surveillance. These components are essential to managing the Mpox outbreak.
Volunteers were equipped with vital skills to raise awareness and support affected communities. They will conduct house-to-house education campaigns to teach preventive measures. Detecting active cases and tracing contacts are also top priorities. Additionally, volunteers will provide psychosocial support to families dealing with Mpox.
State Epidemiologist Mrs. Inyang Ekpenyong Ekpo and Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer Christiana Ugbong led the training alongside other health experts.
This initiative reflects a strategic partnership between the Cross River State Ministry of Health and NRCS. It highlights the power of community-based interventions in combating public health challenges.
Officials believe the program marks a crucial step in curbing Mpox’s spread. With volunteers actively engaging communities, they hope to reduce transmission rates and provide much-needed relief to affected families.
The collaboration emphasizes the importance of local leadership in addressing outbreaks like Mpox. Cross River’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other regions battling similar health crises.
