No new COVID-19 variant in Nigeria – Health Ministry
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reassured Nigerians that there is no evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC COVID-19 variant in Nigeria.
This clarification comes amid reports of the variant’s presence in Australia and its spread to 29 other countries, where it has demonstrated higher virulence compared to other circulating strains.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, the public was urged not to panic but to continue adhering to universal precautions, such as regular hand washing and maintaining personal hygiene.
The statement followed the circulation of an official letter dated December 5, 2024, reportedly signed on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, which sparked concerns after gaining traction in the media, with the Ministry officials neither confirming nor denying the authenticity of the letter.
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However, later on Saturday evening, the Ministry’s spokesperson issued a formal response, stating, “The mandate of the Federal of Ministry of Health is to develop and implement policies that strengthen the national health system for effective, efficient, accessible and affordable delivery of healthcare services in partnership with other stakeholders.
“In furtherance of the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Health on the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of emerging infectious diseases and response activities in Federal Tertiary Hospitals across the country and other agencies in the health sector, it has become imperative to ensure uninterrupted health care services delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak.
“You may recall that a newly detected COVID variant XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to about 29 Countries globally and has shown a more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
“However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.
”In light of the above the general public is advised not to panic but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through her agencies has stepped up surveillance including at all entry points to Nigeria.
“The Federal Government has proactively upgraded our Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.
“Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the general public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria and ignore the contents of a letter Ref.No.DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 dated 5th December, 2024 that has been circulating in social media and go about their normal business”.