Health
Nigeria On High Alert As Mpox Virus Spreads Across Africa, Records 39 Cases
Nigerian authorities have placed key entry points into the country on high alert following the outbreak of the mpox virus in Africa. Nine Nigerian states, including the commercial hub, Lagos, and the capital, Abuja, are under serious surveillance. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is intensifying coordination to limit importation and spread of the virus.
The NCDC told journalists that the action is in response to surging cases of the mpox virus in Africa and to intensify coordination to limit importation and spread of the virus. This week, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had recorded 2,863 confirmed cases of mpox, with 517 deaths, across 13 countries this year. There are about 17,000 suspected cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, in total.
So far this year, Nigeria has recorded 39 cases of mpox, with no deaths. Jide Idris, head of the Nigerian CDC, said it’s best to be prepared. “We’re intensifying surveillance activities by tracking cases across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases,” he said. “Along this line, five designated in-ternational airports, some key seaports, land, and foot crossing borders have been placed in high alert. Declaration forms have been distributed to airlines where there’s an ongoing outbreak of mpox in the last 90 days.”
The Nigerian CDC said authorities are distributing diagnostic tools to states. They also have issued a public advisory on ways to prevent the spread of the mpox virus, including limiting contact with ani-mals such as rodents and monkeys. “We’re also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive about 10,000 doses of the new vaccines that have just recently been ap-proved for emergency use,” Idris said. “We’re also meeting with collaborative agencies like the Minis-try of Environment and Agriculture for support and coordination efforts.”
Authorities say a new strain of the virus, which is more deadly and more easily transmitted, is respon-sible for the recent spread. The strain was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo and later reported in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, all previously unaffected nations. On Tuesday, the Afri-ca CDC declared mpox a public health emergency of international-continental concern. Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa CDC, said, “This declaration is not merely a formality. It’s a clarion call to action. It’s a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive; we must be proactive and aggressive in our effort to contain and eliminate this threat.”
Mpox is a viral disease that causes pus-filled lesions resembling rashes to appear on the skin. In 2022, the World Health Organization declared it an international health emergency after cases were found in more than 70 countries. Health analysts say the new strain is worrisome and will need a coordinated international response to control it and save lives.
CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean!
Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.
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Breast cancer is often perceived as a disease that affects only women, but experts are warning that men are also at risk. While the majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women, a growing body of research highlights that men, too, can develop this disease, albeit at lower rates. Male breast cancer may go undetected for longer periods due to a lack of awareness, leading to more advanced stages by the time of diagnosis.
Experts emphasize that early detection is crucial for both men and women. Symptoms like lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape should never be ignored, regardless of gender. Genetic factors such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the risk of breast cancer in men, just as they do in women.
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health professionals are advocating for increased awareness and education on male breast cancer. Men are encouraged to perform self-examinations and seek medical advice if they notice any unusual changes. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
By breaking down gender stereotypes and raising awareness, the medical community hopes to prevent unnecessary delays in diagnosis for men, saving lives and reducing the stigma associated with this disease.
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In a significant move towards universal healthcare, Canada’s parliament has passed a bill to fully fund contraception and diabetes medications. This new legislation is particularly impactful for the one in five Canadians who struggle with the high costs of prescription drugs. In 2023 alone, Canadians spent C$41 billion on prescriptions, with over C$8 billion paid out-of-pocket.
The bill aims to cover 100% of the costs for individuals without existing insurance and is expected to increase federal spending by C$1.9 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the bill as “real progress” and urged provincial leaders to support the legislation’s swift implementation. British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding, but other provinces like Alberta and Quebec have raised concerns about federal overreach into provincial healthcare jurisdictions.
Despite these concerns, reproductive health advocates celebrate the bill, as it will provide access to contraception for around nine million women of reproductive age, as well as crucial diabetes medications for the 3.7 million Canadians living with the condition. While critics argue that a single-payer model could limit drug access and increase taxpayer burdens, the legislation represents a major step forward in Canada’s journey toward comprehensive drug coverage.
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