The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has stepped up nationwide preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following a recent outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain, which has prompted heightened global health concerns.
The Director-General of the NCDC, Jide Idris, last week chaired a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to assess Nigeria’s readiness and strengthen response mechanisms against any potential threat posed by the disease.
According to the agency, the current outbreak has led the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, prompting countries to review and reinforce their preparedness strategies.
The NCDC disclosed that several measures have already been activated across the country, including enhanced surveillance at points of entry, community-based disease monitoring, laboratory network preparedness, and intensified risk communication and community engagement activities.
The agency also announced that it has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), response protocols, and case definitions to guide healthcare professionals and inform the public on the detection, reporting, and management of suspected Ebola cases.
Despite the heightened alert, the NCDC stressed that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria.
“While there is no confirmed case of Ebola in Nigeria, we remain vigilant and continue to work closely with relevant government agencies and partners to protect the health of Nigerians,” the agency said.
The public health agency urged Nigerians to obtain information only from authorised and credible sources, particularly the NCDC’s official communication channels, to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
The Centre also acknowledged the support of international partners, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, World Health Organization, Resolve to Save Lives, and the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, for their continued contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s health security architecture.
