FG Intensifies Ebola Preparedness Nationwide
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified nationwide preparedness measures against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following reported outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, assuring Nigerians that no confirmed case has been recorded in the country.
The information was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by the ministry’s Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government has activated enhanced surveillance and response mechanisms through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.
Pate said the government is closely monitoring developments in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health authorities to strengthen early detection and rapid response systems.
“While Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government is taking all necessary proactive measures to strengthen national preparedness, surveillance and coordination mechanisms to protect the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” he said.
According to the minister, measures already in place include intensified surveillance and monitoring across the country, strengthened screening protocols at points of entry, improved laboratory preparedness, and reinforcement of infection prevention and control measures in health facilities.
He added that public awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts have also been expanded to curb misinformation and encourage preventive practices.
The government advised Nigerians to remain calm and maintain proper hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of illness.
Healthcare workers were also directed to maintain strict infection prevention protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases and report through established public health channels.
Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and maintaining national health security through coordinated preparedness and rapid response efforts.
The ministry said it would continue to provide updates as necessary.