Nigerian Senate Demands Health Screenings to Combat Ebola

The Nigerian Senate has initiated a call for mandatory health screenings for all passengers arriving through international airports, seaports, and designated land borders to prevent the importation of Ebola and other epidemic-prone diseases. This resolution follows a motion sponsored by Senator Francis Faduyile, representing Ondo South, who warned of a high risk of Ebola importation due to an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has assessed the risk as high. Faduyile highlighted gaps in Nigeria's current screening processes, including inadequate health personnel and outdated legal frameworks.

The Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, and Port Health Services to implement compulsory health screenings, including health declaration forms, temperature checks, and symptom screenings. Enhanced screening for passengers from affected areas and readiness of isolation and treatment centers across Nigeria were also recommended.