Mpox: Stigma may hamper Nigeria’s response efforts, says expert

Dr Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, has warned that stigma and misinformation could significantly hinder the country’s response efforts against mpox.

Adakole said this in an interview with our reporter on Monday in Abuja.

He said that as Nigeria grappled with rising cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, more proactive and intentional efforts needed to be directed toward its eradication.

He said that the World Health OOrganisation (WHO) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have stressed he importance of early detection and treatment.

The expert, however, said that the social stigma associated with the disease could create barriers to effective intervention if not checked.

According to him, recent data from the NCDC indicate a surge in mpox cases, particularly in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Adakole expressed concern that the stigma surrounding the disease might prevent those infected from seeking timely medical care.

He said that this stigma stemmed from misconceptions about the disease’s transmission, with many people falsely associating it with certain communities or lifestyles.

“Stigmatisation not only causes psychological harm to those affected but also drives the disease underground, making it harder to control.

“Moreover, it may cause delays in contact tracing and isolation measures, increasing the risk of widespread transmission.

“We need to create a supportive environment where people feel safe to come forward for testing and treatment without fear of being judged,” he said.

He advised that reluctance to seek medical care due to fear of discrimination could lead to underreporting of cases, making it difficult for healthcare authorities to assess the true scale of the outbreak.

According to him, combating stigma is just as important as the medical response.

He called for intensified public health campaigns to address these challenges, suggesting that the NCDC and WHO collaborate on targeted messaging to dispel myths about mpox.

“These campaigns should focus on educating the public about the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and the importance of early treatment.

“Mpox can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.

“The goal is to ensure that this message reaches every corner of the country, especially in communities where stigma is most prevalent,” he said.

To combat stigma, Adakole called for community leaders, and influencers to help spread accurate information and encourage those showing symptoms to seek medical help.

He advocated for the establishment of support systems for those affected by mpox, including counselling services and community outreach programmes.

He said that as the continent of Africa continued to battle the mpox outbreak, addressing the stigma surrounding this and other diseases is crucial for a successful response.

“Religious and traditional leaders should also play a key role in these efforts, using their platforms to promote understanding and empathy.

“These efforts should be aimed at reducing the fear and shame associated with the disease, making it easier for people to access care.

“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 said.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise compassion over judgment and to support one another in these challenging times.

He said that the fight against mpox was not just a medical battle but a societal one, requiring unity, understanding, and action from all sectors of society.

Recall that WHO has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern.

The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to Central and East Africa.

A new, highly fatal variant of the virus, Clade 1b, is spreading rapidly, underscoring the need for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the NCDC has reported that 39 cases have already been confirmed in Nigeria.