As Nigeria faces a rising tide of Mpox (Monkeypox) cases, a health expert, Dr. Gabriel Adakole, has raised concerns that stigma and misinformation could significantly undermine the country’s response to the outbreak.
In an interview with journalists over the weekend in Abuja, the expert highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that goes beyond medical intervention to address the social and psychological barriers to effective disease control. According to him, while both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) emphasise early detection and treatment as key to managing the disease, the stigma associated with Mpox could create substantial obstacles.
Recent NCDC data indicate a surge in Mpox cases, particularly in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Adakole expressed concern that this stigma might discourage those infected from seeking timely medical care, further complicating efforts to control the outbreak.
“The stigma surrounding Mpox is rooted in misconceptions about the disease’s transmission,” Adakole explained. “Many people falsely associate it with specific communities or lifestyles, leading to discrimination and fear.”
He warned that the reluctance to seek medical help due to fear of discrimination could lead to significant underreporting of cases, making it difficult for health authorities to assess the true scale of the outbreak. “Stigmatisation not only causes psychological harm to those affected but also drives the disease underground, making it harder to control,” he noted.
Adakole further explained that delays in seeking treatment can lead to setbacks in contact tracing and isolation efforts, increasing the risk of widespread transmission. “The delay in reporting and isolation measures makes it more challenging to contain the virus,” he added.
Addressing stigma, Adakole argued, is as crucial as the medical response itself. He emphasised the need for creating a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to come forward for testing and treatment without fear of judgment or discrimination.
“Public health campaigns must be intensified to tackle these challenges head-on,” he said. Dr. Adakole suggested that the NCDC and WHO collaborate on targeted messaging to dispel myths about Mpox and educate the public on the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and the importance of early treatment.
“Mpox does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation. The message we need to send is that everyone is at risk, and everyone must be informed,” he stated.
Adakole also called for community leaders, influencers, and religious figures to play a pivotal role in spreading accurate information and encouraging those showing symptoms to seek medical help. “These leaders have a significant impact on public perception and can help break down the barriers of stigma,” he said.
In addition, he advocated for establishing support systems for those affected by Mpox, including counseling services and community outreach programs. These efforts, he said, aim to reduce the fear and shame associated with the disease, making it easier for people to access care and support.
“As Nigeria and the continent at large continue to battle the Mpox outbreak, addressing the stigma surrounding this and other diseases is crucial for a successful response,” the expert emphasised. “Without a concerted effort to change public perceptions, the country risks a prolonged epidemic that could have been contained with timely intervention and broad community support.”
He urged Nigerians to prioritise compassion over judgment and to support one another in these challenging times. “The fight against Mpox is not just a medical battle but a societal one, requiring unity, understanding, and action from all sectors of society,” he advised.
The WHO has declared the Mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern. The disease, which has claimed at least 450 lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is spreading rapidly in Central and East Africa, with a new, highly fatal variant of the virus, Clade 1b, emerging as a significant threat. Meanwhile, the NCDC has reported that 39 cases have already been confirmed in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated and stigma-free response to the outbreak.
