Doctors hold key to stopping next Ebola outbreak — Sanwo-Olu, NCDC

Nigeria's frontline doctors hold the key to preventing the next Ebola outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned. Lagos State First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for continuous investment in disease surveillance, healthcare infrastructure, and emergency preparedness to safeguard Nigerians from future public health threats.

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Our healthcare workers deserve not only our gratitude but continuous investment in their welfare, professional development and a conducive working environment.

Speaking at the Nigerian Medical Association's (NMA) Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the lessons learned from past epidemics like Ebola and COVID-19. She stressed that these experiences underscore the importance of stronger collaboration, scientific innovation, and ongoing investment in the health sector. "Our healthcare workers deserve not only our gratitude but continuous investment in their welfare, professional development and a conducive working environment," she stated, acknowledging the significant responsibility placed on medical professionals.

The Lagos State Government remains committed to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure, human capital, digital health innovations, disease surveillance, and emergency response systems under its THEMES+ development agenda. Sanwo-Olu believes that a collaborative approach involving government, healthcare professionals, research institutions, development partners, the private sector, and communities is essential for building a healthier and more resilient society.

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The truth is, no country can guarantee that an infected traveller will never cross its borders. The person may travel during the incubation period before any symptoms appear.

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, cautioned against complacency, despite Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014. He noted that increasing international travel and the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo make the country vulnerable. While Nigeria has strengthened its preparedness, Idris stated that the nation's greatest defense lies in the vigilance of its frontline health workers. He warned doctors against assuming every fever is malaria, as Ebola symptoms can initially resemble common febrile illnesses like malaria, making early clinical suspicion critical to preventing a national emergency.

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Ebola appears as an ordinary febrile illness. Most patients present with fever, weakness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In the early stages, many cases could easily be mistaken for malaria.