Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Amid the Mpox outbreak across some African countries, President Bola Tinubu-led administration has announced measures to tighten health security of its citizens.
The Federal Government through the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Wednesday instructed all international passengers arriving at Lagos and Abuja airports must complete a health declaration form starting August 11.
This measure aims to prevent the disease from spreading across the country and to monitor the importation of infectious diseases.
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The statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health reads, “This form is an instituted measure to prevent the spread, monitor the possible importation of infectious diseases and aid the control of disease outbreaks thereby protecting the health of all Nigerians.”
In compliance with the directive, the British Airways has also informed its passengers via a travel advisory.
“Due to the recent outbreak of MonkeyPox in some parts of Africa, the Ministry of Health through Port Health Services has introduced a Health Declaration Form to be completed by all arriving customers into the country (LOS + ABV stations) WEF from today,” the airline stated.
The airline also urged passengers to complete the form online before boarding to avoid delays.
Also, a paper version of the form has been made available for passengers unable to complete the form online.
In related news, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported a 160% increase in Mpox cases across the continent in 2024 compared to 2023.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya announced, “The African continent is poised to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) due to the rapid spread of Mpox.”
As of July 28, there have been 14,250 cases and 456 deaths reported in ten African nations, including Nigeria.
