•Call for activation of heightened monitoring, alert reporting systems
•Harp on intensified surveillance at all international borders, ports of entry
The House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated all health authorities to immediately activate heightened alert systems in monitoring and consequently reporting any suspected cases of the COVID-19 XEC variant.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘urgent need to intensify preventive measures against the XEC COVID-19 variant, to avoid another wave of the deadly coronavirus in Nigeria’, sponsored by Hon. Unyime Idem.
In his lead debate, Hon. Idem who solicited for the House intervention, recalled the profound impact of COVID-19 on global public health and economics, including Nigeria.
While applauding the notable and significant strides made by Nigerian authorities in combating the first strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, he harped on the need for Nigeria to “remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats.
He said: “The House is aware that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently issued a global alert regarding a new COVID-19 variant, XEC, with similar symptoms to the former strain. The XEC variant, a hybrid strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, has been detected in several countries worldwide, including those with high vaccination rates.
“The House is also aware that as of September 24, 2024, the WHO designated the XEC as a variant under monitoring, and initial experimental data suggests that this COVID variant exhibited increased infectiousness and unique changes that may contribute to relatively higher immune evasion.
“The House is worried that the XEC COVID-19 variant was first detected in May 2024, and has reportedly spread across 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Denmark, infecting more than 600 people. The XEC variant is expected to continue spreading globally, with a potential increase in cases during the winter season.
“The House is deeply worried that the emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant in Africa poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health. The recent detection of an index case in Botswana, involving a hospitalized European traveler, raises concerns about the potential spread of the variant across the continent.
“Furthermore, the limited testing and sequencing capabilities in Africa make it challenging to determine the extent of the variant’s spread, leaving Nigeria vulnerable to a potential outbreak.
“The House is cognizant that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has urged health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in response to this XEC COVID-19 variant that is rapidly spreading across the globe, and has consequently tried averting public panic.
“The House is concerned that the XEC variant, a highly transmissible strain of COVID-19, poses a significant concern, and to mitigate its spread, Nigeria must promptly assess the variant’s potential impact and implement effective countermeasures. The festive season, with its high influx of travellers, adds urgency to this effort, requiring Nigeria to be proactive in protecting its citizens and preventing the spread of the XEC variant.”
In the bid to curtail the disease, the lawmakers tasked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other relevant agencies to ensure that surveillance is intensified at all international borders and ports of entry through the provision of thermal machines, infrared thermometers for temperature screening, and deployment of personnel to conduct the screening and quarantine services on all inbound passengers into the country;
“Urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to sensitise the public on the XEC variant;
“Urge all health authorities to activate heightened alert systems in monitoring and consistently reporting any suspected cases;
“Mandate the House Committees on Healthcare Services, Specialty Healthcare, and IIcalth Institutions to ensure compliance.”
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