Ebola: Nigerian govt urges 15 states to speed up preparedness

The federal government has urged 15 states to speed up preparedness as Nigeria steps up measures to contain the country’s first confirmed imported case of Ebola disease.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made the call on Thursday while briefing the National Economic Council (NEC) on Nigeria’s response to the Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Pate said 21 states had already updated their Ebola response plans, while the remaining 15 states are expected to expedite the establishment of appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms, Voice of Nigeria reports.

The minister identified coordination and governance, detection at points of entry, laboratory testing capacity, logistics for essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment, and effective communication as key components of the national response.

The development comes as the federal government continues to strengthen preparedness following confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja.

States strengthen response

At the NEC meeting, Mr Pate said Nigeria is working to operationalise a robust national response system involving federal and state authorities.

The minister said the government had already informed all state governments about the situation, while most states had response plans developed with guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

He said the government is working to ensure that the remaining states strengthened their preparedness.

Mr Pate said the government is coordinating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other technical partners.

He also said Nigeria is strengthening its surveillance at points of entry and working to ensure that existing screening capacity, including thermal imaging equipment, was functional.

No restrictions on gatherings

Speaking later on Thursday at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, Mr Pate said there are no restrictions on large gatherings for now.

He said there is currently no indication to alter the course of planned large gatherings.

“At this moment there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,” he said.

He, however, said the government could review the decision if the situation changed.

“But if the situation changes, we would make a determination, we would consult broadly with the right experts and make that determination,” he said.

Mr Pate said such decisions would be based on scientific evidence and public health considerations.

Patient showing improvement

The minister also disclosed that the confirmed Ebola patient was recovering, with laboratory results showing improvement.

He said he had spoken with the clinicians treating the patient and that there was a possibility she would recover.

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“Thankfully, that individual is being taken care of and in fact is recovering. Today I spoke to the clinicians and I understand that lab results are showing great improvement and there is a possibility that she will recover from this,” Mr Pate said.

Government urges calm

At the ministerial briefing, Mr Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant but said there is no need for panic.

He advised people to follow basic public health measures, including regular hand washing and avoiding unnecessary contact with bodily fluids.

He also urged people experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle aches, particularly those with a relevant travel history, to isolate themselves and promptly notify public health authorities.

Hospitals have also been directed to prepare isolation beds and strengthen infection prevention and control measures, while private health facilities have been urged to promptly notify public health authorities of suspected cases.