Four cases of monkeypox reported in Borno
By Njadvara MUSA, Maiduguri
The Borno communities have pledged to adopt and implement measures to prevent the outbreaks of monkeypox, cholera and COVID-19 across the state.
The pledges were made, yesterday, (Monday), in Maiduguri, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) flags off the sensitization campaigns and emergency responses in four councils.
The preventative measures including vaccinations against the diseases are conducted in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Konduga and Marte councils and other heard to reach areas in the state.
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According to the UN health agency, there were reported cases of monkeypox in the neighbouring state of Adamawa.
The Ministry of Health also reported four cases of monkeypox in Gwoza and Biu Local Government Areas in Borno state.
Health experts stated that monkeypox is a virus that belongs to the family of Pox Ride occurring in humans.
The Northeast WHO Health Emergency Manager, Dr Richard Lako said that the 30-day sensitization campaigns are to prepare and step up measures against monkeypox and cholera in four councils.
The Bulumkutu Community Youths Leader, Bala Garba said; “We’ve resolved to embrace the preventative measures of WHO and adopt its health emergency responses to save our lives.
“This sensitization campaign is good, we have embraced it. On our part, we are mobilizing our women and men to accept this awareness project,” noting that it is good for our health and wellbeing.
Dr Lako, therefore assured that the UN health agency would continue to support the Borno state government.
“We’ll support the State’s Ministry of Health to ensure enough awareness is enhanced on the prevention of epidemic-prone diseases.”
The diseases, according to him, included monkeypox, cholera, and COVID-19.
He said that that the community health champions (CHCs), are also engaging with communities to avail themselves of COVID-19 vaccination.
“It remains important that no individual should be left out from receiving their jabs against the corona virus,” he said.
