By Muhammad Amaan
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has directed state governments to urgently review and strengthen their preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The directive followed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration of the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
This declaration highlights the potential risk of the disease spreading to other countries, including Nigeria, given the increasing cross-border movement and global connectivity.
Although Nigeria has no confirmed EVD cases linked to the current outbreak, the NCDC is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the disease. “We are not taking any chances,” said Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC. “Our priority is to ensure that we are prepared to respond effectively to any potential threat.”
State Ministries of Health have been advised to update their EVD preparedness and response plans, incorporating lessons learned from previous outbreaks and focusing on high-risk areas.
This includes placing Public Health Emergency Operations Centres on alert, strengthening surveillance, laboratory services, and infection control, and ensuring healthcare worker safety and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).
The NCDC has also developed an EVD Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) readiness checklist, which will guide health facility assessments across the country.
“This checklist will help us identify gaps and strengthen our preparedness measures,” Dr Idris explained.
States with international airports, seaports, and land borders are heightening preparedness activities, including traveller screening and referral systems.
Surveillance and early detection are critical components of Nigeria’s preparedness strategy. The NCDC is working closely with state health authorities to strengthen event-based surveillance, community-based surveillance, and rumour tracking systems.
“We are urging healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for febrile illnesses, especially among persons with relevant travel or epidemiological exposure history,” Dr Idris said.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to health authorities immediately. The NCDC assures Nigerians of its commitment to preventing the spread of EVD and will provide updates as necessary. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains safe and secure.”
In addition to the measures outlined above, the NCDC is also focusing on risk communication and community engagement. The public is being educated on the risks of EVD, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.
“We are working with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation,” he explained.
The NCDC is also prioritising safe and dignified burial practices, recognizing the significant risk of Ebola transmission associated with unsafe handling of dead bodies.
