Nigeria’s health authorities have intensified nationwide Ebola surveillance, contact tracing, and state mobilisation following the confirmation of an imported case in Abuja. According to Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, this move is aimed at preventing further spread of the disease. The announcement was made during a briefing to journalists on Thursday, following a National Economic Council meeting. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also stepped up regional surveillance after the Abuja case.
The WHO’s decision was confirmed by TVC News and Independent Newspaper Nigeria, both reputable news outlets in Nigeria. The WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, expressed concern over the development and urged all countries in the region to maintain a high index of suspicion and enhanced surveillance for Ebola.
This latest development comes after the Nigerian government was praised for its swift response to a suspected case of Lassa Fever earlier in the year. The government’s commitment to maintaining public health and safety is evident in its quick response to the Ebola case.
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