Ekiti pledges readiness for disease outbreaks

Simulation exercise demonstrating preparedness for health threat

The Ekiti State Government has assured residents of the vigilance and preparedness of its health system to respond promptly to any public health threat.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents through proactive and evidence-based preparedness activities.

A statement from the state Ministry of Health in Ado Ekiti on Sunday said Alowooye spoke during a two-day refresher training and simulation exercise for case managers and other health personnel held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti.

The epidemiologist said that although no case of Ebola had been reported in Ekiti, the state had strengthened its preparedness for a possible Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in view of the resurgence of outbreaks in parts of Africa.

She stated that increased cross-border movements had made sustained vigilance and preparedness necessary.

Alowooye said, “The exercise was designed to test and enhance the state’s capacity for early detection, isolation, safe management and referral of suspected EVD cases. The training combined classroom lectures with practical simulation of the management of a suspected EVD case presenting at a health facility.

“Participants were trained on EVD epidemiology and case definition, early detection and notification protocols, infection prevention and control (IPC), standard precautions, proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental safety and coordination mechanisms.

“These are critical measures for preventing nosocomial transmission and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to suspected cases,” she said.

Alowooye added that the state Ministry of Health provided full PPE kits for the practical sessions and deployed a standby ambulance to simulate safe transportation and referral procedures.

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She said, “The state government is committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents through proactive and evidence-based preparedness activities. We can assure residents that the health system is vigilant and prepared to respond promptly to any public health threat.”

A facilitator, Dr Olumuyiwa Ariyo, said observations from the exercise showed a high level of commitment and improved practical competence among participants.

Ariyo said, “Regular simulation exercises in complementing theoretical knowledge as well as the need for continuous availability of PPE and IPC commodities are important”.

He also stressed the role of clear communication channels, with defined roles and responsibilities, during public health emergencies.

He said stakeholders at the exercise recommended regular refresher training and simulation exercises across health facilities in the state, adequate stockpiling of PPE and IPC materials, and ensuring that standard operating procedures and emergency protocols were readily accessible.

Other recommendations, he said, included strengthening the state’s referral and ambulance system and sustaining collaboration between the Ministry and tertiary health institutions for periodic assessment of preparedness.

Participants in the exercise were drawn from Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, Ado Ekiti; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti; FETHI; Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti; and Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

Others included case managers, IPC focal persons, clinicians, nurses, laboratory scientists and emergency response personnel from the State Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The participants commended the State Ministry of Health under the leadership of the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, for organising the training and sustaining investments in health system strengthening and other public health interventions in the state.