The Lagos State Youth Parliament has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to protect the citizens and prevent a widespread outbreak across the country.
The parliament also urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) to further mobilise resources for public awareness campaigns, and strengthen health infrastructure to provide medical aid to affected countries.
The parliament’s Speaker, Itunuoluwa Soniregun gave the advice in a statement in Lagos on Monday.
The WHO had recently declared an upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR).
Recalls that Mpox cases in Nigeria have risen to 48, with the virus now reported in the capital Abuja and 20 other states, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to her, the recent outbreak in several African countries including Nigeria was a stark reminder of the devastating impact of pandemics.
The speaker recalled that the mortality rate of monkeypox, which could reach up to 10 per cent if left untreated, highlights the severity of this outbreak.
She said: “We should recall the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which claimed over 11,000 lives, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented global disruption.
“To avoid a repeat of such crises, we must take proactive steps to combat this outbreak.
“The current monkeypox outbreak demands swift action, and we must learn from past experiences to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
“I urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to enhance airport screening and testing, mobilise resources for public awareness campaigns, and strengthen health infrastructure to provide medical aid to affected countries.”
Soniregun said regional cooperation and international support were crucial in this fight, adding that they must work together to share resources, expertise, and best practices.
He said prioritising the protection of vulnerable populations, including healthcare workers and immunocompromised individuals, and ensuring community engagement and awareness are essential steps in preventing further spread.
The speaker said addressing misinformation and promoting accurate information about monkeypox was also vital.
She also emphasised the need for increased funding for healthcare infrastructure and research, technical assistance and support from international organisations, and coordination with traditional leaders and community-based organisations.
According to her, let us act now to prevent a pandemic and protect our citizens as the future of our continent depends on it.