Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has successfully tested two Mpox samples in its molecular laboratory.
According to Adaeze Oreh, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, in a statement issued on Friday, the achievement marks a major breakthrough in the country’s response to the disease, made possible through collaborative efforts between RSUTH and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
The partnership was facilitated by a discussion between NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, and Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, on enhancing Mpox testing capabilities in the state.
As a result, RSUTH has been designated as the exclusive center for Mpox testing in Nigeria’s South-South region.
This recognition solidifies RSUTH’s position at the forefront of innovative healthcare delivery and public health research, particularly in combating infectious diseases like Mpox.
The Mpox outbreak has been a pressing concern globally, with Nigeria experiencing a significant number of cases.
According to recent research, the 2022 outbreak saw 163 confirmed cases, primarily affecting adults, with sexual contact and close proximity to infected individuals being significant risk factors.
The ability to test and diagnose Mpox domestically will enable healthcare professionals to respond more effectively to the outbreak.
This development underscores the importance of local research and testing capabilities in addressing public health challenges.
As Nigeria continues to battle Mpox, the RSUTH’s molecular laboratory will play a vital role in detecting and containing the spread of the disease.
