The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has alerted hospitals across Nigeria to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, identified as XEC, which has been detected in Australia and has spread to 29 countries globally.
The variant is reported to have a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
In a directive addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, the ministry called for heightened vigilance in diagnosing patients presenting with COVID-like symptoms.
The directive, signed by Dr O.N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospitals Division, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, urged hospitals to activate their alert systems immediately to ensure a high level of suspicion for the new strain.
The ministry also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to share critical data on the variant and implement enhanced health protocols.
According to the statement, timely exchange of information with relevant parties, including the ministry, is essential for developing effective response strategies to mitigate the potential risks posed by the XEC variant.
The statement reads, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally. (Letter attached) You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for a high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.
“We request your Committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies.
“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”
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