Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria, while affirming that all necessary precautionary measures have been activated to strengthen national preparedness and response systems. This was contained in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
This follows recent reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services, and other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional health authorities.
According to the Minister, Nigeria remains vigilant and has activated enhanced preparedness measures to safeguard public health and strengthen the country’s capacity for early detection and rapid response.
“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,” the Minister stated.
He noted that ongoing response and preparedness measures include:
– Enhanced surveillance and monitoring nationwide;
Strengthened screening and health declaration protocols at points of entry in collaboration with Port Health Services;
Increased coordination with state ministries of health and relevant stakeholders;
Strengthened laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity;
– Reinforcement of infection prevention and control measures across health facilities;
– Intensified public awareness, risk communication, and community engagement activities.
The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and continue observing preventive measures, including regular hand hygiene and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of persons, showing symptoms of illness. He further advised the public to promptly report any unusual illness to the nearest health facility.
Healthcare workers across the country have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases, and report through established public health channels.
Prof. Pate reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting public health and maintaining national health security through coordinated preparedness and rapid response efforts.
The Ministry further stated that it will continue to provide timely updates as necessary.
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