The Cross River State Ministry of Health with support from the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), has concluded a comprehensive training program for 200 community-based volunteers to strengthen the state’s response to the Mpox outbreak. With 117 suspected and 14 confirmed cases reported across eight LGAs, the need for proactive, localized health interventions has never been more urgent.
The training focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) as well as surveillance strategies. Volunteers have been trained to identify and monitor Mpox cases, trace contacts of confirmed patients, and provide critical psychosocial support to affected individuals. They will be deployed to endemic communities for active engagement and education on disease prevention.
The collaboration between the NRCS and the Ministry of Health marks a significant national effort to empower community members in public health decision-making and disease management.
