Nigeria is intensifying efforts to strengthen its national response to mpox through updated clinical management guidelines, improved referral systems, and expanded public awareness campaigns. With mpox continuing to pose a public health threat since its re-emergence in 2017, the country has reported 389 confirmed cases and six deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory by October 2025. These rising numbers highlight the urgency for timely guidance, early detection, and community education to curb further spread.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with support from the World Bank, has led a national review of the outdated 2019 mpox case management and infection prevention guidelines. The revision incorporates new WHO recommendations, updated clinical evidence, and the inclusion of antiviral therapies. Experts from various health sectors participated in the review, resulting in the creation of Nigeria’s first national home-based care and isolation protocol for mpox. This new framework aims to bridge the gap between home and facility-based care, reduce hospital burdens, and ease financial strain on affected families.
Officials emphasized that the updated protocols will ensure safer and faster treatment for mpox patients, with improved data reporting and standardised referral systems. WHO continues to support Nigeria by providing technical guidance and sharing international best practices to enhance implementation and preparedness across the health system. Health professionals believe the revised framework will protect healthcare workers, improve patient care, and enhance outbreak response capacity at all levels.
The new guidelines also focus on strengthening referral pathways and data systems. By integrating digital reporting tools, Nigeria aims to improve disease surveillance, ensure timely data flow, and enable faster decision-making. This approach will help health authorities identify high-risk areas and implement rapid interventions. Community health workers and surveillance officers have been assigned clearer roles in identifying, referring, and monitoring suspected cases early.
Beyond clinical updates, Nigeria is also boosting community awareness in 15 high-risk states through risk communication and sensitisation campaigns. WHO and NCDC have trained over 570 frontline health workers, distributed infection control tools, and initiated community-based surveillance. Public education drives include radio messages, market engagements, and town hall meetings to promote early detection and preventive behaviour. Community members, such as traders and local leaders, are now more informed and actively involved in promoting safe practices.
Nigeria’s multi-pronged strategy—combining updated medical protocols, stronger health infrastructure, and active community participation—is set to significantly enhance mpox prevention and control. Continued collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, WHO, and communities will be vital to sustaining these gains and achieving long-term disease control across the country.
