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.”

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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