The Nigerian Red Cross Society, supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and working with the Delta State Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), organized a lessons-learned workshop in Asaba to assess how its Mpox response strategy has been carried out nationwide.
The meeting, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel conference hall, gathered major stakeholders involved in combating the zoonotic orthopoxvirus, previously known as Monkeypox.
During the workshop, participants exchanged experiences and explored ways to strengthen surveillance, case management, risk communication, and health promotion in order to improve early detection and response to Mpox outbreaks.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Imoke Ikwo, Assistant Coordinator for Health and Care at the Nigerian Red Cross Society, said the workshop was an important opportunity to evaluate the Mpox intervention across the country. She noted that although the programme faced some challenges, it achieved meaningful progress in the 23 states where activities were carried out and succeeded in training health workers in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
She explained that the intervention reached at least five local government areas in each of the 23 target states, and in some places, the coverage was even broader. Communities were chosen based on available data and reported cases, ensuring that resources were directed where they were most needed.
Ikwo praised the strong collaboration between the Red Cross and the Delta State government, describing their partnership as “smooth and exceptional.” She acknowledged the proactive leadership of the Red Cross Delta State Branch Secretary/CEO, Mr. Charles Arinomor, as well as the close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and other partners.
Also speaking at the event, Delta State Epidemiologist Dr. Mildred Okowa said the workshop was vital for refining strategies, sharing experiences, and identifying both successes and challenges to improve future operations and collaboration.
Dr. Okowa added that the Delta State government remains committed to maintaining momentum in tackling the disease, noting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori places high priority on the health and well-being of every resident.
Providing an update on the national situation, Dr. Odianosen Ehiakhamen, the National Incident Manager for Mpox at the NCDC, reported that Nigeria has so far recorded 400 confirmed cases across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with only Yobe, Taraba, and Kogi yet to confirm a case. He also pointed out ongoing challenges with Mpox surveillance, particularly in rural communities. According to him, a bottom-up approach that strengthens community engagement is crucial for timely reporting and early detection.
