By Haruna Gimba
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare has reassured Nigerians that there is no evidence of the COVID-19 variant XEC in the country, urging citizens to disregard misinformation circulating on social media and other networks.
In a press statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry debunked claims of the variant’s presence in Nigeria. The statement, titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected COVID Variant XEC,” was issued on Friday.
According to the ministry, the XEC variant was first detected in Australia and has since spread to 29 countries globally.
This variant is reported to have increased virulence compared to other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on healthcare systems.
The ministry emphasised its commitment to safeguarding public health, stating:
“The mandate of the Federal 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 stakeholders.”
The statement highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts in monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases:
“As part of our responsibility to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate response activities across Federal Tertiary Hospitals and other health sector agencies, it is crucial to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in the event of a disease outbreak.”
The ministry also provided the following reassurances and guidelines for the public:
Stay Calm: There is no need for panic; the XEC variant has not been detected in Nigeria.
Maintain Hygiene: Continue observing universal precautions, such as regular hand washing. Enhanced Surveillance: The Federal Ministry of Health and its agencies have intensified monitoring, particularly at all entry points into the country.
Improved Facilities: Federal Tertiary Hospitals are equipped with molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units with ventilators to handle potential outbreaks.
Addressing a specific document causing alarm, the ministry clarified: “The letter with reference number DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated December 5, 2024, circulating on social media, is false. We urge the public to disregard its content and go about their normal activities without fear.”
The ministry assured Nigerians that it remains proactive in protecting public health and will continue to provide updates as necessary.
