The Federal Government, via the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has urged health authorities to implement enhanced alert systems in response to the emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant, which is swiftly spreading around the world.
The XEC variant, the newest addition to the COVID-19 virus lineage, was initially discovered in Australia and has now been reported in 29 different countries.
This instruction was outlined in a letter dated December 5, sent to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors by Dr. O.N. Anuma, the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, and was shared with PUNCH Online on Saturday.
The letter stated:
“I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally.
“You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”
Dr. Anuma emphasized the need for vigilance and immediate action. “Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms”.
The ministry’s directive also stressed the importance of collaboration and timely information-sharing among health institutions and stakeholders to mitigate the potential risks associated with the variant.
“We request your committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols,” the letter read.
“Timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, will be vital for effective response strategies,” Anuma warned.
Healthcare experts are being called upon to improve their monitoring systems and establish a unified approach to tackle the rising challenge presented by the XEC variant.
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