In response to recent reports suggesting a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Benue State, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a clarification and emphasised the importance of responsible reporting.
Addressing the issue through its official website on December 15, 2023, the NCDC clarified that the news, which indicated 25 new cases, stemmed from a misinterpretation of a statement made by a World Health Organisation (WHO) surveillance officer. The officer had clarified that Benue State recorded a total of 25 cases in 2023, with the last case reported in mid-April.
Providing context on the overall COVID-19 situation in Nigeria, the NCDC shared statistics, revealing a total of 6,013,826 tests conducted, 267,184 confirmed cases, and 3,155 deaths. In the last quarter of 2023, 15,481 tests were conducted, confirming 75 cases across 25 states.
Despite the WHO’s declaration that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the Federal Government, through the NCDC, has integrated COVID-19 testing into routine disease surveillance.
The NCDC emphasised the crucial role of the media in public health and national security, expressing gratitude for their collaboration. It urged accurate information dissemination to prevent potential public health threats arising from misinformation.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians, ensuring transparency, and maintaining open communication channels, the NCDC affirmed its dedication to providing accurate and timely information on matters of public health importance.
The initial reports of 25 new COVID-19 cases in Benue State had prompted the World Health Organisation to advise individuals to protect themselves through vaccination. The WHO surveillance officer for Benue State, Ogechukwu Chigbo conveyed this message during a one-day civil society organisations and media engagement meeting on COVID-19 in Makurdi. Chigbo urged people to take advantage of COVID-19 immunisations to protect themselves from the virus, emphasising its continued prevalence.
