FG Mandates Inbound Travellers Fill Health Declaration Form Due To New Monkeypox Strain

Due to the emergence of the Clade Ib strain of monkeypox (mpox) in several African countries, Nigeria’s Federal Government has mandated all international travellers to fill out a health declaration form before entering Nigeria.

This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare along with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Ministry of Health advised passengers to complete and submit the health declaration form online before departure to avoid delays upon arrival in Nigeria. According to the ministry, the form is a measure to prevent the spread, monitor the importation of infectious diseases, and control outbreaks, thereby safeguarding the health of all Nigerians.

“The Nigeria Health Declaration Form must be filled out by all incoming passengers to Nigeria. Paper-based versions will be provided on arrival in Nigeria for passengers unable to fill out the form,” the ministry’s website stated.

The form required travellers to provide personal information and details about their travel, health, and contact history for the 21 days before their arrival.

The Clade Ib subclade of monkeypox has been severely affecting several African nations, particularly the DR Congo, since September 2023.

The World Health Organisation recently indicated that it might convene an expert committee to discuss declaring an international emergency, similar to the global mpox outbreak in 2022.

According to Africa CDC, 16 out of 55 African nations have been affected by the disease. Since January 2022, Africa has reported 38,465 cases and 1,456 deaths, with 887 cases and five deaths reported last week alone.

Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can affect both humans and animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and crusts, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

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