When Nigeria witnessed a surge in mpox cases in 2024, fears of a long-drawn-out public-health crisis were palpable. The disease—once considered rare—was spreading more widely across Africa and beyond, raising concerns about its potential to strain fragile health systems.
Yet, Nigeria has mounted a robust response, built on collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities.
Understanding mpox
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a relative of smallpox. It is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials such as bedding.
Human-to-human transmission often occurs via skin cuts, respiratory droplets, or body fluids. Symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Collaboration in motion
At the heart of Nigeria’s response is the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), which has coordinated vaccination efforts alongside State Ministries of Health. International partners—mostly the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Africa CDC, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance—have provided assistance, vaccines, and funding support.
This collaboration has made it possible to deliver vaccines despite global shortages, train health workers at state and community levels, and strengthen disease control.
Measurable progress
As of January 23, 2025, 7,959 individuals had been vaccinated nationwide, according to the West African Health Organisation (WAHO). Of these, only 268 experienced mild side effects, and there was just one serious adverse case. In six states, the full two-dose regimen has already been completed, while follow-up doses continue.
By August 2025, the campaign had ramped up further, with over 30,100 vaccine doses administered across 12 high-prone states, including Benue and Cross River. Priority is given to healthcare workers, vulnerable individuals, and close contacts of confirmed cases.
Early results are encouraging. In the first three weeks of 2025, Nigeria recorded 121 suspected cases across 20 states and the FCT, with 12 confirmed mpox cases, 46 varicella-zoster virus (VZV) cases, and no deaths.
This marks a major improvement compared to earlier years, when the fatality rate was higher.
Since 2017, Nigeria has reported thousands of suspected mpox cases. By late 2024, the country had recorded 1,484 suspected cases and 124 confirmed infections across 28 states and the FCT.
That no fatalities were reported in early 2025 reports reflects the impact of vaccination, better case management, public awareness, and stronger coordination.
A model beyond mpox
Nigeria’s mpox response demonstrates how global-local partnerships can function even in resource-limited settings. The pooling of resources from partners like WHO, UNICEF, and Africa CDC, combined with strong national leadership from NPHCDA, has served as the backbone of this vision.
This same model could be replicated to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as Lassa fever, yellow fever, and chickenpox.
The lessons learnt about targeting high-prone areas, collaborating with existing systems, and empowering communities could become a blueprint for epidemic response across Africa.
Nigeria’s mpox vaccination drive shows that public health challenges, even when daunting, can be overcome through partnerships, data-driven strategies, and community trust.
While the disease is not defeated altogether, the campaign has drastically reduced its threat and built stronger foundations for future outbreaks.
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