RAPID Response Committee of the Academy of Medicine Specialties has expressed concerns over the increasing transmission of monkeypox (mpox) across African countries, including Nigeria, recommending community engagement, research and vaccine deployment to contain the outbreak.

In a statement, signed by the Chairman of the committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, the committee called for immediate and coordinated actions by governments, public health authorities, and international partners to minimise the impact of the disease on public health.

They also proposed that the Federal Government establish a national advisory task force, to be led by the Presidency on mpox, to ensure a high level coordination response and enhanced surveillance to detect and respond to new cases quickly.

The group pointed out that there was an urgent need to improve public awareness and understanding of the disease, particularly regarding its symptoms, modes of transmission, and preventive measures by employing community engagement at the federal, state and local council levels.

With a focus on the most vulnerable population, the committee recommended that vaccine deployment, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), should be prioritised for effective distribution of the vaccine to the most affected and at-risk populations in the country.

SIMILARLY, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for urgent global action to address vaccine inequity, which is hampering the continent’s ability to respond effectively.

AHF noted that the response to the mpox outbreak mirrors the inequalities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It observed that despite the availability of vaccines, Africa continued to struggle with access due to high costs and limited supply.
According to AHF, its advocacy extends beyond immediate vaccine delivery; the organisation is also pushing for a review of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, which has so far failed to ensure fair access to vaccines and treatments for developing nations.

“What we are seeing with mpox reflects the gaps in the current pandemic agreement. We need mechanisms in place that guarantee equitable access to vaccines for all countries, especially during global health crises,” it said.