Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Health has introduced a mandatory health declaration form for all travelers arriving in Nigeria. This measure comes in response to the escalating mpox outbreak across Africa, with fears of the disease spreading to Nigeria.
The health declaration form, to be completed by all passengers arriving at Lagos and Abuja airports, aims to monitor potential mpox cases and prevent a public health crisis within the country. The ministry emphasized the importance of this initiative in safeguarding the health of all Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is considering declaring a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent. The disease has claimed over 1,400 lives since January 2022, with 16 countries affected.
A particularly concerning development is the emergence of a new, more transmissible mpox strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This variant, first detected in September 2023, has now spread beyond the DRC’s borders.
In response to the escalating crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) is convening an expert committee to determine if the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The organization has also initiated the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) process for mpox vaccines to accelerate access, especially in lower-income countries.
Nigeria has recorded 102 suspected mpox cases across 18 states in 2024, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). While no deaths have been reported, the government remains vigilant in preventing a wider outbreak.
Airlines operating flights to Nigeria have been instructed to ensure all passengers complete the health declaration form before boarding. Failure to comply may result in delays or denied entry into the country.
The Federal Ministry of Health has urged travelers to cooperate with the new measures to protect public health.
