The Lagos State government has initiated a comprehensive campaign against the M-pox virus focusing on the emerging clade 1B variant circulating in Central Africa.

This effort, directed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, involves key stakeholders including the World Health Organization, the National Institute for Medical Research, and local health institutions.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi who announced that the campaign includes the activation of an Emergency Operations Centre and a public health awareness drive said: “We have been given the mandate to protect Lagos from the potential threat of the M-pox clade 1B, a more aggressive strain currently spreading in Central Africa.”

Abayomi emphasized that while Lagos has no active M-pox cases, the state’s dense population and international connections pose a risk of importing the new variant. The campaign will focus on prevention, early detection, and public education to mitigate this threat.

Abayomi highlighted the state’s proactive approach, which has previously been effective against outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19. “Lagos is preparing, not just for the local M-pox strain, but for the potential introduction of this new variant that could disrupt our economic and social stability,” he added.

The state will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust its strategies as needed to protect the health and safety of its residents.