NCDC Enhances Ebola Preparedness Amid No Confirmed Cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is intensifying its preparedness measures against the Ebola virus disease (EVD), as announced by Director General Dr. Olajide Idris over the weekend.

This initiative comes despite the absence of confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria. During a meeting of the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) in Abuja, Idris outlined the agency's active surveillance systems and coordination with relevant agencies to assess treatment laboratory infrastructure.

The Presidential Ebola Task Force has been reconstituted, with immediate actions taken to address potential outbreaks. The NCDC is collaborating with the Port Health Services, Aviation Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen surveillance at entry points, focusing on five states with international airports.

The Federal Ministry of Health has issued entry protocols requiring travelers to complete health declaration forms. Additionally, a grant of N785.3 million has been approved for Ebola readiness activities, although concerns were raised about the poor conditions of several facilities requiring urgent rehabilitation.