The National Orientation Agency in Akwa Ibom State has launched a sensitization campaign to educate residents about the prevalence and prevention of Mpox illness in the state.
This comes as the Ministry of Health reported that Akwa Ibom State has recorded eight instances of the Mpox outbreak.
Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the Agency’s Coordinator in the state, made the statement while speaking with journalists on the agency’s work in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday.
Mkpoutom claimed that the agency’s staff has been despatched to the impacted councils since last week, following directives from the state government.
“I am sure that you are very much aware that Akwa Ibom is having the highest cases of Mpox right now as we speak. So, my people have been on the field since last week when we had the instruction from the Ministry of Health in partnership with Akwa Ibom State Agency on Health matters.
“Ten local governments are seriously affected, and one of the most affected local government areas are Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Ekpene. At least ten for now. The meaning is that in the whole federation, Akwa Ibom ranks high in Mpox disease.
“Right now that’s what has been the problem in Akwa Ibom and we want everybody to be aware. For now, according to the Health sector, they don’t have curative for Mpox, they will only go through management and treatment,” he said.
While noting that in Onna LGA alone about six people were affected by the disease in one house, Mkpoutom called on the people of the state to report any such cases to the nearest medical center for treatment.
He disclosed further that the affected persons have been quarantined while contact tracing is still going on in the state.
