The Nigerian government has mandated that passengers arriving in the country through airports complete a health declaration form to ensure safety from infectious diseases.
The protocol had already been introduced globally, especially when the coronavirus pandemic hit the world, and was in force for many months.
However, the reintroduction of the protocols by the Nigerian government through the Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is linked to the recent outbreak of Mpox (monkeypox) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other African countries.
In a message circulated on Sunday, the government said all customers arriving in the country at Lagos and Abuja stations will be required to fill the form starting August 11 on its designated website.
According to the Ministry of Health, “the form is a measure instituted to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and assist in the control of disease outbreaks, thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.”
“A paper version will be provided upon arrival in Nigeria to passengers who are unable to complete the online form,” officials said.
Mpox in Africa
In a recently released report, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said Mpox cases rose 160 percent on the continent in 2024 compared to a record high in 2023.
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As of July 28, a total of 14,250 cases (2,745 confirmed; 11,505 suspected) and 456 deaths with a fatality rate [CFR] In ten African countries, including Nigeria, cases of 3.2 percent have been recorded.
While Nigeria recorded 24 cases and no deaths, the Democratic Republic of the Congo topped the list with 13,791 cases and 450 deaths. Other countries include Burundi (8 cases; 0 deaths), Cameroon (35; 2), Central African Republic (213; 0), Congo (146; 1), Ghana (4; 0), Liberia (5; 0), Rwanda (2; 0) and South Africa (22; 3).
The African continent is on the verge of declaring a Public Health Emergency for Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox (monkeypox) outbreak continues to spread across many countries.
READ ALSO: Africa to declare public health emergency over Mpox
Speaking during a webinar last week, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said the African continent is on the verge of declaring a Public Health Emergency for Continental Safety (PHECS) as Mpox spreads to many countries.
Mr Kaseya said the PHECS statement would draw on guidance from health experts and political leaders across Africa to ensure a unified and effective approach to the outbreak.
He said the Africa CDC had been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to the Mpox outbreak, which has caused great concern due to its rapid spread and rising death toll.
About Mpox
Monkeypox (Mpox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. Most people recover completely, but some become seriously ill.
The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies changed the name of monkeypox to “Mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
Mpox was declared a global health emergency by the WHO in July 2022 and ended in May 2023 due to a decrease in infections worldwide.