Epic Conducts TOT on Enhanced surveillance including case investigation and integration of Mpox into HIV testing services

Epic Conducts TOT on Enhanced surveillance including case investigation and integration of Mpox into HIV testing services

Practical test on sample collection by participants during the training. Photo credit: Arhyel Ayuba/FHI 360

Mpox, a viral zoonotic illness, was first described in humans in DRC in 1970 but is now endemic in the tropical rainforest of Central and West Africa where primary rodent reservoir hosts have been described. Over 70% of the Mpox cases reported in 2022 in the African region, originate from four countries, including Nigeria. Since the re-emergence of Mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, 3,771 suspected cases have been reported as of December 31, 2023.

Group photograph of representatives of USAID and EpiC management present during the meeting. Photo credit: Arhyel Ayuba/FHI 360

Mpox is usually mild, and most people recover within a few weeks. However, recent outbreaks reveal increased severity and death amongst people living with HIV/AIDs . The disproportionate vulnerability of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) due to their weakened immune systems has become a pressing concern.

The incident management system by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has provided optimal response, except in a few technical areas such as surveillance among PLHIVs and key populations. To address this, NCDC with support from the USAID funded EpiC project, conducted “Training of Trainers on Mpox Surveillance &

Practical test on sample collection by participants during the training. Photo credit: Arhyel Ayuba/FHI 360
Group photograph of participants from the first batch present during the meeting. Photo credit: Arhyel Ayuba/FHI 360
Group photograph of participants from the second batch present during the meeting. Photo credit: Arhyel Ayuba/FHI 360

Case Investigation” for Healthcare providers of PLHIV and KPs, in Lagos-Nigeria from March 17 to 24, 2024.

This training was conducted in two batches to accommodate a wider range of national and sub-national stakeholders from Abia, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Ogun, Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Lagos states, and the FCT.