FG Warns 15 States to Accelerate Ebola Preparedness

The Federal Government has warned 15 states to accelerate their Ebola preparedness plans as Nigeria strengthens its response following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, gave the warning during briefings in Abuja, urging hospitals nationwide to prepare isolation beds, strengthen infection prevention measures and protect frontline health workers.

21 States Step Up Preparations

Pate said 21 states had accelerated their preparations and improved their capacity to respond to a possible spread of the virus. He urged the remaining 15 states to complete their response plans with guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The national response is being coordinated by the NCDC, with support from the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hospitals Urged to Protect Health Workers

The minister directed public and private hospitals to ensure adequate isolation facilities, train medical personnel and promptly report suspected Ebola cases to public health authorities.

He noted that health workers faced particular risks because of their direct contact with patients, making strict compliance with infection prevention and control procedures essential.

The government has activated its incident management system and is working with the FCT authorities and state governments to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and emergency response measures.

Government Calls for Vigilance

Pate said the government was taking steps to prevent the infection from spreading beyond the confirmed case, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant without panicking.

He also announced plans to meet with state commissioners of health and information to improve coordination of emergency response efforts and public communication.

The minister stressed that early detection, prompt reporting and adequate isolation facilities would be critical to preventing further infections in healthcare facilities and communities.

Punch Newspapers