Nigerian Govt Strengthens National Surveillance, Border Control Against Ebola
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has intensified national preparedness and response measures to safeguard Nigeria against the possible introduction of the Bundibugyo ebolavirus disease (BEBOV).
Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Ado Bako disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The Ministry reassured Nigerians that there was presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country. However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide.
They also added that as part of ongoing response readiness efforts, official preparedness protocols, advisories, and technical guidance documents have been uploaded to the Ministry’s website to support public awareness, stakeholder sensitization, and institutional compliance.
The Ministry is informed that the following measures currently operational across the country:
“Strict Border Control & Point of Entry (PoE) Protocols. Enhanced Surveillance and Scientific Monitoring.
“Enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) activities nationwide; Laboratory, Emergency Coordination and Health Facility Readiness”.
Healthcare facilities nationwide have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and adhere strictly to established reporting protocols.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare therefore urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation and unverified rumours, and rely only on official updates issued by recognized public health authorities.
Members of the public were also advised to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, avoid contact with dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health authority or healthcare facility.
Furthermore, the Ministry said it would continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely updates as necessary.
