NO EVIDENCE OF COVID VARIANT XEC IN NIGERIA – HEALTH MINISTRY 07-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has assured Nigerians that there is no evidence of the COVID-19 variant XEC in the country.
It also urged the public to disregard a letter with Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated December 5, 2024, circulating the social media which falsely suggests a resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry advises citizens to remain calm, ignore misinformation, and continue observing universal precautions such as maintaining personal hygiene and regular handwashing.
According to the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the COVID-19 variant XEC was recently detected in Australia and has spread to 29 countries globally. This variant is reported to be more virulent than other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on healthcare service delivery, particularly in Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
To mitigate risks, the Ministry says surveillance at all entry points into the country has been strengthened and Federal Tertiary Hospitals upgraded by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators. These measures aim to enhance preparedness for any potential disease outbreaks and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the country.
The Ministry reiterates its commitment to developing and implementing policies that strengthen the national health system. It emphasizes the importance of partnerships with stakeholders to provide efficient, accessible, and affordable healthcare services while coordinating responses to emerging infectious diseases in collaboration with Federal Tertiary Hospitals and other health agencies.