Leading health organizations and institutions in Nigeria have launched a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at addressing knowledge gaps related to mpox, a viral disease.
The project, titled “Epidemiological and clinical investigation of mpox in Nigeria,” will inform case management, outbreak prevention, and control while enhancing the public health response to the mpox virus in Nigeria and globally.
The collaborating entities include the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the National Veterinary Research Institute, the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, and the United Kingdom Public Health Rapid Support Team. This joint effort seeks to expand understanding of mpox and develop effective control measures.
During the launch of the research project in Abuja, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General of the NCDC, stated, “Today, we begin the journey of knowledge, unity, and determination. In partnership with dedicated researchers and institutions, we set out to unravel the unknowns of mpox, bridging the areas of clinical and One Health studies. This is a significant start in mpox research.”
Dr. Adetifa emphasized the commitment of the NCDC to safeguarding public health and promoting global well-being, stating, “This project symbolizes our unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and, in turn, the world, embracing the power of research and the strength of collaboration. As we work together, may we move closer to a world free from the threat of mpox, ensuring the well-being of generations to come.”
Dr. Chinwe Ochu, a co-project lead from the NCDC, underlined the impact of the mpox outbreak on marginalized communities and the importance of the One Health approach. Dr He emphasized that collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health is imperative to protect global well-being.
Dr. Ochu stated, “The mpox outbreak in Nigeria had a profound impact on lives, particularly among key populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of marginalized communities. The NCDC played a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis.
“This collaboration underscores the critical importance of surveillance and understanding transmission within the One Health space, where collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health is imperative to protect our global well-being.”
Prof. Gwenda Hughes, Deputy Director for Research from the UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, noted the critical role of the research program in understanding the clinical characteristics, infection patterns, and mpox’s spread in Nigeria.
She explained that the UK-PHRST aims to support improved case and contact management and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox, both within Nigeria and globally.
Prof. Hughes emphasized the importance of this research project in enhancing the understanding of the mpox virus, especially in Nigeria: “The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team is delighted to be part of this exciting collaboration between NCDC and other partners to better understand the clinical characteristics, pattern of infection and spread of mpox in Nigeria – a disease that has greatly affected Nigerian communities, especially in recent years.”
She further elaborated on the UK-PHRST’s commitment to supporting Nigerian colleagues in answering critical scientific questions through the extensive research program. The UK-PHRST has not only provided laboratory equipment but has also shared expertise to enhance local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.
“The UK-PHRST will support Nigerian colleagues to answer important scientific questions through this extensive research programme and will also help deliver training of local laboratory staff and field teams. Our microbiology specialists have already provided lab equipment and shared expertise to help build local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.
“Ultimately, through co-creation and by taking a partner-led approach with our Nigerian colleagues, our aim is to support improved case and contact management and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox both in Nigeria and globally.”
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, commended the research project’s role in enhancing the understanding and evidence-based approaches to mpox outbreak prevention, response, and control. Oreh emphasized that the research project is commendable.
The project is set to run for two years, covering areas such as clinical characteristics, epidemiological factors, infection transmission, and the experiences of individuals affected by mpox.
Two specific studies are planned within the project: a Clinical study, which aims to address knowledge gaps in clinical understanding and the natural history of mpox infection, and a One Health study to investigate the dynamics of infection and transmission in Nigeria.