During a strategic meeting on preparedness and response to Human Metapneumovirus organized by the National Emergency Management Agency in Abuja, stakeholders on Thursday committed to boosting surveillance, enhancing public health communication, and strengthening collaboration to prevent the virus from entering the country. HMPV is a respiratory virus prevalent in various countries during the winter and spring seasons. While not every country regularly tracks and reports trends, the WHO states that most individuals with HMPV experience mild upper respiratory symptoms, akin to a cold, and typically recover within a few days. However, it can lead to hospitalizations from bronchitis or pneumonia in certain instances. Data from China up to December 29, 2024, indicate an increasing number of ARI cases, with HMPV detected in the northern provinces. The authorities have observed a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among those under 14, leading to the implementation of mask-wearing, social distancing measures, and frequent disinfection of public areas to control the virus. Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the Director General of NEMA, indicated that the rising trend of HMPV suggests that public health emergencies can easily spread across borders. He emphasized the importance of being well-prepared through collaboration, even though the country has not yet been impacted, in order to minimize risks. Speaking through Dr. Onimode Bandele, NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Umar highlighted the agency’s crucial role in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response to keep citizens safe. He mentioned the need to evaluate the country’s readiness, improve coordination among stakeholders, and enhance monitoring and surveillance in all sectors. Consequently, he urged all agencies to prioritize mobilizing resources, emphasizing that this should involve strategic allocation of financial, technical, and human resources to ensure effective responses to emerging public health threats. Dr. Bandele guaranteed that NEMA would make every effort to assist other agencies in achieving a coordinated and effective response to HMPV and other emerging public health issues.
