Dr. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, has raised alarms over the potential impact of stigma and misinformation on Nigeria’s ability to effectively combat the rising mpox outbreak. In an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Adakole emphasized that the stigma surrounding the disease could significantly undermine efforts to control its spread.
As Nigeria faces a surge in mpox cases—formerly known as monkeypox—particularly in major urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Adakole called for more proactive measures to tackle both the disease and the associated social stigma. He stressed that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have both highlighted the critical importance of early detection and treatment in curbing the outbreak.
However, Adakole warned that misconceptions about mpox transmission are fueling stigma, which could discourage those infected from seeking timely medical care. “Stigmatization not only causes psychological harm but also drives the disease underground, making it harder to control,” he said. He noted that this stigma is often rooted in false associations between the disease and specific communities or lifestyles, further complicating efforts to contain the virus.
The public health expert underscored the need for a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to seek testing and treatment without fear of judgment. He cautioned that reluctance to seek medical care due to stigma could lead to underreporting, making it challenging for health authorities to accurately assess the scale of the outbreak.
Adakole called for intensified public health campaigns to combat misinformation and stigma, urging the NCDC and WHO to collaborate on targeted messaging that dispels myths about mpox. “These campaigns should educate the public on transmission, symptoms, and the importance of early treatment,” he said, adding that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
He also advocated for the involvement of community leaders and influencers in spreading accurate information and encouraging those with symptoms to seek medical help. Additionally, Adakole suggested the establishment of support systems, including counseling services and community outreach programs, for those affected by mpox.
Adakole highlighted the crucial role of religious and traditional leaders in these efforts, urging them to use their platforms to promote understanding and empathy. “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 warned.
As the African continent continues to battle the mpox outbreak, Adakole stressed that addressing stigma is as important as the medical response, calling on Nigerians to prioritize compassion over judgment. The WHO has declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, with the NCDC reporting 39 confirmed cases in Nigeria. The rapid spread of a new, highly fatal variant of the virus, Clade 1b, further underscores the need for a coordinated international response.
