WHO Enhances Support to Nigeria Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Kano
In response to the H5N1 outbreak in Kano, Nigeria, WHO enhanced its support to prevent human transmission. Preventive measures include raising biosecurity standards in poultry and training health workers. WHO established surveillance sites and provided necessary PPE for healthcare professionals. Currently, no human infections have been reported, with ongoing efforts to monitor and contain the situation.
On February 24, 2025, in response to a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Kano state, Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) stepped up efforts to prevent human transmission. This virus primarily affects poultry but can potentially infect mammals, including humans, posing a significant public and animal health risk.
The outbreak primarily poses a risk to poultry and those directly handling infected birds or contaminated environments. Critical preventive measures include implementing biosecurity protocols on farms, avoiding contact with sick birds, maintaining high hygiene standards, and ensuring robust surveillance alongside prompt outbreak reporting.
WHO, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has established 10 National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) sites across Nigeria, including key hospitals in the six geopolitical zones. These sites played a vital role in collecting and transporting samples for respiratory virus testing to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja under the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
To assist Kano in managing the outbreak, WHO provided over 100 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits comprising gloves, aprons, face shields, and other essential items. These supplies are crucial for protecting healthcare workers while they investigate and respond to the outbreak.
WHO also supplied laboratory materials for sample collection from individuals displaying flu-like symptoms or severe respiratory conditions. Dr. Mayana Abubakar, WHO’s Kano State Coordinator, highlighted the training provided to over 100 health workers on pandemic influenza response strategies, essential for enhancing surveillance and monitoring.
Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Gano, Kano State’s Director of Public Health and Disease Control, acknowledged WHO’s timely support, stating, “We appreciate WHO’s steadfast support in helping us tackle this outbreak. Their donation and timely intervention help protect lives and contain the transmission of the disease.”
As of January 25, 2025, Kano reported six confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) alongside 4,470 suspected cases. Fortunately, there have been no recorded human infections among the 20 suspected cases tested, with five samples pending results.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to respond effectively, stating, “With the existing national capacity and previous bird flu emergency experience, we could swiftly scale up the efforts… to mitigate transmission to humans.”
The WHO has intensified its support to Nigeria in response to a bird flu outbreak, focusing on preventing human transmission through immediate action and collaboration with local health authorities. Effective surveillance, provision of essential protective equipment, and training of healthcare workers are crucial steps to managing the risk posed by avian influenza amidst ongoing reports of poultry cases in Kano. The collaborative efforts aim to protect both public health and animal welfare in the region.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
