The House of Representatives Tuesday called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take preventive measures against the potential outbreak of XEC, a newly identified variant of the coronavirus.
It urged the ministry to ensure that surveillance is intensified at all international borders and ports of entry through the provision of thermal machines and infrared thermometers for temperature screening.
The House also advised the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to intensify public sensitization efforts regarding the newly identified XEC variant.
The decisions were consequent upon the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Unyime Idem.
Presenting the motion, the lawmaker noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health and economies, including Nigeria.
“Noting that Nigeria made significant strides in combating the first strain of COVID-19 pandemic, Idem said “There here is a need to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats.”
He said: “The House notes with concern the recent global alert issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding a new COVID-19 variant, identified as XEC. This variant exhibits symptoms similar to those of previous strains.
“The XEC variant, a hybrid strain of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage, has been detected in multiple countries worldwide, including nations with high vaccination rates.”
Continuing, he states that “The House notes that, as of September 24, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the XEC COVID-19 variant as a variant under monitoring. Preliminary experimental data suggests that this variant demonstrates increased transmissibility and distinct mutations, which may enhance its ability to evade immune responses.
“The House is deeply concerned that the XEC variant, first identified in May 2024, has since spread to 43 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Denmark, with over 600 confirmed cases reported globally.
“The XEC variant is expected to continue spreading globally, with potential increase in cases during the winter season.”
According to him, “The emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant in Africa poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health.
“The recent detection of an index case in Botswana, involving a hospitalized European traveler, raises concerns about the potential spread of the variant across the continent.
“The limited testing and genomic sequencing capacity in Africa continues to hinder the ability to track the spread of emerging COVID-19 variants, leaving countries like Nigeria exposed to potential outbreaks.
“In light of the rapid global spread of the XEC COVID-19 variant, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has called on health authorities to activate heightened alert systems to mitigate risks and safeguard public health.
“The XEC variant, he further stated “Is highly transmissible and poses a significant concern, and to mitigate its spread, Nigeria must promptly assess the variant’s potential impact and implement effective countermeasures.
“The festive season, with its high influx of travelers, adds urgency to this effort, requiring Nigeria to be proactive in protecting its citizens and preventing the spread of the XEC variant. “
