News

CITAD calls for measures to tackle Monkeypox

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on stakeholders to deploy proactive observatory measures in tackling Monkeypox virus outbreak recently confirmed in Nigeria.

CITAD made the call in Kano on Friday while briefing newsmen in response to the detection of the virus in Nigeria.

CITAD’s Coordinator on Public Education Vaccine, Malam Hamza Ibrahim, who noted that 21 cases of the virus have been recorded in eight states of the federation, said one person has been confirmed dead.

Ibrahim called on the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to review the National Monkeypox Public Health Response Guidelines of 2019 for proper detection, reporting, and actions against the disease.

He said: “The detection of the virus ought to be an alarm for particularly the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and we want to at this point strongly call on the Centre to deploy active observatory mechanism across the federation with a view to containing further spread of the virus.

“The experience brought by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic should not be forgotten, as such case confirmation of monkeypox in the country should be treated with the public health urgency and expertise it requires to be able to contain it.

“In doing so we recommend that NCDC review its National Monkeypox Public Health Response Guidelines of 2019 to reflect deepening synergy with state governments in responding to suspected cases for proper detection, reporting and communication for quick actions.”

READ ALSO: NCDC: Nigeria has no laboratory where Monkeypox is generated

He further called for close collaboration between states and NCDC to enlighten the public on the virus, appealing to the Federal Government to ensure strict monitoring of Nigeria’s borders to checkmate transmission of the disease.

Meanwhile, the CITAD in its monthly report on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) said there was about 150% increase in reporting Gender-Based Violence in Kano in the month of May.

CITAD’s Gender-Based Violence Project Officer, Malam Buhari Abba told journalists that due to increased awareness and advocacies, victims have been reporting different types of violence using GBV App specifically designed for the purpose.

“ln comparison with the data obtained in previous months, GBV cases are still on the increase. 85 cases were reported via our GBV App for the month which includes sexual harassment, online harassment, sexual abuse, and wife battering,” Abba said.

According to him, GBV thrives only when all stakeholders keep quiet and allow it to fester.

While appealing to parents, relatives, and guardians to always report cases of GBV to relevant authorities or NGOs, he called on the government to ensure that laws are enacted to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He, therefore enjoined the general public to regard online violence just as any other violence that has negative consequences on the victims.

The Star

Ayodele Ojo

Recent Posts

Northern women ulama backed Tinubu over achievements, inclusivity — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election by…

56 minutes ago

Nigeria’s oil output rises to 1.68m bpd, meets OPEC quota for fourth month

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production rose to 1,677,777 barrels per day in August 2026,…

1 hour ago

2027: INEC lists Yero, Shehu Sani, 31 others for Kaduna Senate polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed 33 candidates to contest the three senatorial…

1 hour ago

Police air wing kills nine bandits, destroys camps in Katsina, Zamfara

The Nigeria Police Air Wing has killed nine suspected bandits and destroyed several criminal camps…

2 hours ago

Police launch operation to rescue six abducted clerics in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command has launched a coordinated operation to rescue six Islamic clerics…

2 hours ago

Six Nigerians extradited to US over romance scams

Six Nigerian nationals have been extradited from South Africa to the United States over alleged…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.