FG assures no Ebola case in Nigeria, strengthens national preparedness

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, even as it intensifies surveillance and preparedness measures nationwide. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, gave the assurance in a statement on Wednesday. He said proactive steps had been taken […]

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, even as it intensifies surveillance and preparedness measures nationwide.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, gave the assurance in a statement on Wednesday.

He said proactive steps had been taken following recent Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

Pate said surveillance systems had been strengthened across the country, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and Port Health Services closely monitoring developments.

He explained that Nigeria is working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and regional health authorities to ensure early detection and rapid response to any potential threat.

He said screening procedures at all points of entry have been reinforced, alongside enhanced health declaration protocols to reduce the risk of importing the disease.

He added that coordination with state ministries of health had been intensified, while laboratory capacity and diagnostic systems had been strengthened to ensure quick detection and confirmation of suspected cases.

The minister also said infection prevention and control measures were being reinforced in health facilities nationwide, alongside increased public awareness campaigns and community engagement.

Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid panic, and desist from spreading misinformation, stressing the importance of reporting any unusual illness to the nearest health facility for prompt attention.

He further advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, adhere strictly to infection prevention protocols, and promptly isolate suspected cases for investigation.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through coordinated surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems across the country. NAN