Calabar, Nigeria – The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has trained 200 volunteers to aid in the fight against Monkeypox (Mpox).
Converseer reports that the initiative which was in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Health, comes as the state grapples with 117 suspected cases and 14 confirmed cases of the disease.
The two-day training, conducted in the Northern, Southern, and Akamkpa 2 clusters, focused on Risk Communication, Community Engagement (RCCE), and surveillance techniques.
The volunteers were equipped to:
- Educate the public on Mpox prevention methods,
- Trace and identify contacts of suspected cases, and
- Offer emotional support to affected individuals.
The training was delivered by key health experts, including Mrs Inyang Ekpenyong Ekpo, the State Epidemiologist.
The trained volunteers are expected to play a critical role in curbing the spread of Mpox and supporting public health efforts in the state.