By Abbas Nazil
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has announced a series of proactive measures in response to the detection of a new COVID-19 variant, XEC, in some parts of the world.
While no cases of the variant have been reported in Nigeria, the agency has emphasized its commitment to safeguarding public health and preventing its entry into the country.
According to the NBMA, heightened surveillance at all points of entry, including borders, airports, and seaports, is being enforced to ensure early detection of potential cases.
This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s biosecurity framework against emerging threats.
The agency also reaffirmed its collaboration with local and international stakeholders to monitor developments related to the XEC variant and adapt strategies as needed.
The emergence of the XEC variant has raised global concern due to its potential to increase transmissibility and possibly evade immunity from prior infections or vaccinations.
In the light of this, the NBMA is doubling down on its efforts to reinforce existing public health measures.
The agency is urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to guidelines that have been instrumental in combating the spread of COVID-19 since its onset.
The NBMA highlighted the importance of staying informed through reliable sources, cautioning against the spread of misinformation, which could hinder public health efforts.
The agency encouraged citizens to rely on trusted health authorities for updates and accurate information regarding the new variant and overall pandemic management.
Preventive practices such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, ensuring good hand hygiene, and improving ventilation in enclosed spaces remain critical, the NBMA stated.
These measures, which were effective in curbing previous waves of COVID-19, are being reinforced as part of the national response to the potential threat posed by the XEC variant.
Vaccination remains at the heart of Nigeria’s defense strategy. The NBMA reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated and receiving booster doses to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications associated with COVID-19.
With vaccines proven to offer significant protection, the agency called on eligible individuals to take advantage of vaccination programs nationwide.
In addition to preventive measures, the NBMA stressed the need for early detection and timely medical intervention.
Nigerians experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell were urged to seek medical attention promptly.
Early reporting of symptoms could play a pivotal role in mitigating the spread of the virus, should the XEC variant or other new strains emerge in Nigeria.
The agency has further appealed to the public to cooperate fully with health authorities in the event of suspected or confirmed cases.
Adherence to quarantine and isolation guidelines is seen as essential for containing any potential outbreak and minimizing community transmission.
Reassuring citizens, the NBMA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining robust biosecurity measures to protect public health.
The agency assured that it would provide timely updates and deploy all necessary resources to address any developments related to the XEC variant.
The NBMA called on Nigerians to trust in the country’s health infrastructure, emphasizing the collective effort required to safeguard the nation from emerging threats. END
Source: www.nbma.gov.ng