The Federal Government has intensified health screening measures at airports, seaports and land borders across the country amid concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of East and Central Africa.
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced that travellers identified as high-risk or showing symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the ministry reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in the country.
According to the ministry, enhanced surveillance measures now include temperature checks, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and risk profiling at designated entry points.
The government also disclosed that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres have been activated, while Rapid Response Teams across the country have been placed on standby to respond to any potential outbreak.
Healthcare facilities have been directed to strengthen infection prevention measures, improve patient triage systems and promptly report suspected cases.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has expressed concern over a funding crisis affecting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), warning that inadequate funding could weaken the country’s ability to respond effectively to any Ebola outbreak.
Lawmakers called on the Federal Government to immediately release funds appropriated for the agency and strengthen disease surveillance systems nationwide.
Public health experts have also urged sustained investment in laboratory services, surveillance networks and emergency preparedness to preserve Nigeria’s capacity to contain infectious disease outbreaks.
