ABSTRACT
The reemergence of the monkeypox (MPX) virus poses a serious threat to global health security. While the first human case was reported in Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970, a recent outbreak of this disease in May 2022 has gone 'viral,' spreading to most continents and occurring in nonendemic countries. Outside Africa, there have been reports of cases of MPX in countries such as Singapore in May 2019, Israel in September 2018, UK in September 2018, among others which have been traced back to importation of infected wild rodents from Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the standard laboratory facility to carry out MPX tests is Biosafety Containment Level (BSL)-2 working standards if the laboratory staff has taken smallpox vaccine within the last 3 years and BSL-3 working standards if the laboratory staff has not taken the smallpox vaccine. However, African countries have a shortage of BSL laboratories. Hence, there is a need to improve the integrated surveillance of the MPX virus, strengthen diagnostic capacity, capacity building of health workforce, public education programs, fund research, and development, among others. Leveraging a 'One Health' approach will offer fresh insight into the human-animal-environment interface and boost the understanding on the possibility and mechanisms of spillback and reverse zoonosis as well as disease severity and risk factors for severe disease as well as its epidemiology in various subpopulations. Not leaving Africa behind in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of MPX is important to stopping the spread and reemergence of this virus.
ABSTRACT
The Monkeypox virus, commonly abbreviated as mpox, is a viral zoonosis that is experiencing a resurgence in prevalence. It is endemic to regions of West and Central Africa that are characterized by dense forested areas. Various measures pertaining to animals, humans, and the environment have been recognized as potential factors and catalysts for the spread of the disease throughout the impacted regions of Africa. This study examines the various factors contributing to the transmission of the virus in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the animal-human and inter-human modes of transmission in rural communities and healthcare facilities. The One Health approach was emphasized as crucial in the prevention and management of this issue. Literature suggests that preventing repeated zoonotic introductions could potentially halt the transmission of the mpox virus from animal to human hosts, leading to a potential decrease in human infections.
Subject(s)
Monkeypox virus , One Health , Animals , Humans , Nigeria/epidemiology , Rural PopulationABSTRACT
The Global Fund is a non-profit organization founded by Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, Kofi Annan, Amir Attaran, and Jeffrey Sachs on the 28th January, 2002. Each year, about US$ 4 billion is invested to support programs and organizations led by local experts in various communities towards developing strategies and ways in which these three (HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis) diseases could be fought. The Global Fund has supported various innovative strategies used in tackling these infectious diseases. It is also worthy of note that 38 million lives have been saved through the Global Funds Partnership resulting in a 50% decline in mortality rate caused by tuberculosis, AIDS and Malaria in these reached countries. However, the Global Fund is not without its challenges as there has been lack of fund commitment from the G8 countries who instituted the idea in the first place. Another limitation being experienced is the poor risk management that has resulted in discrepancies of over US$4 million discovered in the Global Fund grants received by Nigeria as of 2016. This study discusses the current state of the Global Fund and suggests recommendations to policymakers that could be instrumental in strengthening health systems and achieving increased impact.
