By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
Following 117 suspected and 14 confirmed cases of Monkey Pox virus already reported in Cross River, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, has commenced community-based Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), as well as, surveillance activities to combat the spread.
The gesture, undertaken by trained volunteers is geared towards reducing the spread of the disease across the state and its environs.
A total of 200 trained volunteers drawn from seven local government areas of Calabar South, Calabar Municipal, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa, Ogoja, Yala, and Obudu, all in Cross River, have begun house-to-house sensitization campaigns, educating residents about Mpox symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
The volunteers are also saddled with the responsibilities to identify suspected cases while tracing contacts to curb the spread of the disease.
These efforts align with the project’s goal of enhancing community awareness and bolstering early detection mechanisms.
Speaking with newsmen in Calabar, the Cross River capital, the State Epidemiologist, Mrs Inyang Ekpenyong Ekpo, said: “The dedication of these volunteers is pivotal to our success in mitigating the impact of Mpox.”
She added that, “the efforts of the already trained volunteers would bridge the gap between health authorities and communities while ensuring timely intervention.”
