The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola virus disease in the country despite recent outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja through the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
According to the minister, the government has already activated precautionary measures to strengthen national preparedness and prevent any possible outbreak in Nigeria. He explained that surveillance systems across the country have been reinforced while health authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
Pate stated that agencies including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC and Port Health Services are working together to ensure effective monitoring and rapid response to any suspected case.
He said enhanced screening procedures have been introduced at all entry points into the country while health declaration protocols are also being strengthened to reduce the risk of importing the disease into Nigeria.
The minister added that the government is collaborating with the World Health Organization and regional health bos to improve early detection and emergency response mechanisms.
He further disclosed that laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity have been upgraded to support quick identification and confirmation of suspected Ebola cases.
According to Pate, infection prevention and control measures are also being reinforced in health facilities nationwide. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement activities have equally been intensified to educate citizens on preventive measures.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading false information capable of causing fear and panic. He advised citizens to maintain proper hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of illness.
Healthcare workers were also directed to maintain strict infection prevention measures, isolate suspected cases immediately, and report through approved public health channels for swift intervention.
Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health through effective surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated emergency response systems across the country.
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