LAWMA Issues Ebola Alert to Healthcare Waste Handlers

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) issued a precautionary advisory to healthcare waste handlers across Lagos State in response to a recent Ebola virus disease outbreak reported in East Africa. Mukaila Sanusi, the Director of Public Affairs at LAWMA, communicated this alert on Friday, emphasizing the need for healthcare facilities and medical waste handlers to remain vigilant and fully compliant with established infection prevention and medical waste management protocols.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, confirmed that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria. However, the advisory aims to strengthen preparedness and reinforce medical waste management standards.

The advisory also urges licensed healthcare facilities to enhance infection prevention control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols. Dr. Jide Idri, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, called on governors across the 36 states to provide adequate funding for health workers to prevent the virus from entering Nigeria.