SUMMARY REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON REVERSING THE MPOX (MONKEY POX) SURGE IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES; ORGANIZED BY THE AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA), SEPTEMBER/17/2024

 AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA)

 

SUMMARY REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON REVERSING THE MPOX (MONKEY POX) SURGE IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES; ORGANIZED BY THE AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA), SEPTEMBER/17/2024

 

PANELISTS

1.    Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, Nigeria - Symposium Moderator

2.    Hervé Shamavu, DRC

3.    Rajendra Bhadra, Nepal

4.    Achu Etta Takim, Nigeria

5.    Jimoh Dare -Analyst, Nigeria

6.    Brajesh Sinha, India

7.    Christiane LAKO ZOUMA, CAR

8.    John wabwire shikoku, Kenya

9.    ABEGA Urbain, Cameroon

10. Akpakwu Augustine, Nigeria (rep. Office of the H.E. The Vice President of Nigeria)

11. Maptue Toguem Victorine, Cameroon

12. Oluwaseun Esther Onimoto, Nigeria

13. SAWADOGO Salmon, Burkina Faso

14. Rosa María Juárez Cobeñas, Peru

15. Guillaume BADOIT, Burkina Faso

16. Emmanuel Esio, Nigeria

 

QUICK RECAP

 

The Symposium was moderated by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje from Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), and discussed the recent outbreak of the Monkeypox virus in various countries, particularly in Africa and Europe. Participants from different locations shared their experiences and observations about the virus's impact on their communities, health systems, and countries, with a focus on preventive measures and interventions to contain the spread. The meeting also highlighted the roles of various entities in public health and the importance of data in managing the situation, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria's response to the virus.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global-level Network/Think-tank of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-state actors (NSA) on Health, Biodiversity, Climate Actions and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1997 and incorporated in 2003, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) has teams/chapters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 36 States of Nigeria. With more than 2,600 organizations from 119 (One Hundred and Nineteen) countries as its members, and a Google Group of over 42,000 members globally Health, Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, AHOA has become a third-sector global player, partner, project/programme developer, implementer, monitor and reporter on the measures needed to achieve and safeguard them.

 

AHOA is committed to exploring the nexus between Health (UHC, PHC, HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Mpox, Hepatitis, NTDs, NCDs, Vaccines, Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies or Hidden Hunger, and COVID-19); Environment, Ecosystems, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Climate Change; Nutrition and Food Security; Gender, Democracy, Good Governance, and Human Rights. AHOA is in Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC, accredited Observer status at UNEP/UNEA, and approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Its application to the UNFCCC is awaiting approval/admission. AHOA is the lead organization and secretariat of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) and the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC).

 

AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION MEETING WITH DIGNITARIES

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje from Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) moderated the international symposium on Mpox with various dignitaries. Initially, there were some technical difficulties with audio clarity, which were resolved with Dr. Adirieje making Etta a co-host and adjusting his setup. The meeting was then conducted with participants from different locations, including Germany. Dr. Adirieje requested participants to sign in with their names, organizations, countries, Whatsapp numbers, and email addresses. The purpose of the meeting was to address the current surge in cases of the Mpox (Monkey Pox) in order to reverse the trend in affected Communities across Africa and the rest of the world.

 

DISCUSSING MONKEYPOX VIRUS OUTBREAK AND CONTAINMENT

 

The meeting was a discussion on the recent outbreak of the Monkeypox virus in various countries, particularly in Africa and Europe. Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to contain the virus. He encouraged participants to share their experiences and observations about the virus's impact on their communities, health systems, and countries. The meeting also highlighted the need for policies and actions to contain the virus, with South Africa's recent response being cited as an example. The conversation continued with an open invitation for participants to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the Monkeypox virus.

 

MONKEYPOX SITUATION IN MALAWI AND INDIA

 

A participant from Malawi reported that Malawi has not officially registered any cases of monkeypox so far. George from Malawi reported that screening measures are in place at airports and border crossings, and awareness campaigns have been conducted. However, there are concerns about potential spread from South Africa due to proximity and cross-border travel. India has also not reported any monkeypox cases recently, as stated by Brajesh. The situation regarding monkeypox in several other countries remains unclear.

 

MPOX CASES UPDATE AND FATALITY RATE DISCUSSION

 

Augustine Akpakwu who represented the Senior Special Adviser on Health to the Vice Present of Nigeria reported 72 new suspected cases of Mpox, with 9 confirmed cases across 23 states and 47 local government areas. The fatality rate was approximately 2%. The majority of cases were reported in 65 local governments, with the highest number in 10 states. Dr. Uzodinma from Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) appreciated the data update, noting its importance for Nigeria's Center for Disease Control. The update was as of September 8th.

 

MANAGING VIRUS SPREAD IN NIGERIA

 

Dr. Adirieje noted that the current spread of the Mpox in Nigeria has doubled in terms of the number of states affected. Augustine shared measures being taken in Nigeria to contain the spread, including avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks and gloves, and ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption. He also mentioned the importance of reporting symptoms early and adhering to isolation. Dr. Adirieje emphasized the importance of data in managing the situation.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH ROLES AND MPOX INTERVENTIONS

 

The participants discussed the roles of various public health entities in containing the Mpox spread and mortalities, including the National Priority Health Care Development Agency, Federal Ministry of Health, and related agencies. Augustine, representing the Office of the Vice President, confirmed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is directly involved in the MPox implementation and takes the lead in reporting cases. He also mentioned that the cases are reported to the NCDC, which then coordinates the surveillance and intervention efforts within Nigeria.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND NEXT STEPS

 

1. Augustine Akpakwu who represented the Office of His Excellency The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at this Conference, will forward policies related to monkey pox containment in Nigeria to Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje.

2. Nigeria’s NCDC to continue coordinating monkey pox surveillance and reporting across Nigeria.

3. All participants and stakeholders to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures against monkey pox in their respective countries, especially in the 119 (One Hundred and Nineteen) countries where AHOA has registered members/partner organizations.

4. Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) to organize follow-up events to further address the monkey pox situation and interventions at various levels globally.

5. Governments, Multilateral Agencies and Funders are requested to increase support these recommendations to ensure that the global health system is timely rescued from the current Mpox surge, especially in countries/communities already affected/suffering by the disease.

 

CONCLUSION

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje expressed appreciation for the participation of the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and other country panelists in the Symposium. He expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the measures being taken to contain the Mpox spread and effects. He also inquired about any policy changes in Nigeria and requested that any such changes be mailed to AHOA. Augustine agreed to do so. On a final note, Dr. Adirieje emphasized the need for preventive measures and interventions to contain the spread of the virus locally and internationally in our communities and cities, urban and rural areas.

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje

Symposium Moderator and CEO

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, CMC, CMTF, FIMC, FIMS, FNAE, FASI, FSEE, FAHOA

Health Economist; Certified Evaluation and Projects/Programmes Management Consultant; Conferences and Workshops Organizing Expert; Researcher; Health/Development, Climate Change/Biodiversity and Human Rights Advocate; Facilitator/Trainer; Blogger; Writer/Columnist

CEO & Permanent Representative to the United Nations,

Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Movement and Think-tank for Health, Biodiversity, Climate Actions and Sustainable Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion Award). 

<https://druzodinmadirieje.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-association.html>

National Chairman, Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development in Nigeria (CSPDN)

Plot 520, FHA Estate, Lugbe, Airport Rd; P.O. Box 8880, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria  

Join ANCSO’s Facebook Group to access and share information/news  <https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564506127838>

Twitter: @uaadirieje; https://twitter.com/uaadirieje; https://twitter.com/afrihealthcso; @DAdirieje; @afrihealthcso

Email: afrihealthoptonet2@gmail.com, afrepton@gmail.com

Instagram: @druzoadirieje; https://www.instagram.com/druzoadirieje/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/uzoadirieje; https://web.facebook.com/afrihealthcsos;

Skype: druzoadirieje, uaadirieje@yahoo.com;

Zoom: uaadirieje@yahoo.com     

LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Dr.+Uzodinma/Adirieje

Phone, Telegram & WhatsApp: +234 803 472 5905

Website: http://www.afrihealthcsos.org

https://afrihealthoptonetassociation.blogspot.com