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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

NCDC Intensifies Ebola Preparedness as Nigeria Strengthens Border Surveillance

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigeria's Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is intensifying preparedness measures against Ebola Virus Disease, despite no confirmed cases in the country.
  • Surveillance systems have been activated, and coordination with agencies strengthened, including border surveillance at entry points.
  • While funding has been allocated, concerns remain about the poor condition and operational challenges of key health facilities.

Nigeria is bolstering its defenses against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through intensified preparedness measures, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Despite the absence of any confirmed cases within the country, the NCDC has proactively activated surveillance systems and enhanced coordination with relevant agencies.

Dr. Olajide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, stated that response activities commenced even before the recent reconstitution of the Presidential Ebola Task Force. The agency is collaborating closely with Port Health Services, aviation authorities, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service to fortify surveillance at all points of entry. The initial focus is on five states with international airports to improve the screening of inbound travelers.

The task force has only met once, but we did not wait for its reconstitution because we started working immediately after the outbreak was reported.

— Dr. Olajide IdrisExplaining the NCDC's proactive response to the Ebola threat.

Travelers identified as persons of interest are being documented and monitored, with their destination states notified for follow-up. Health declaration forms are now mandatory for arriving passengers. The NCDC has also assessed molecular laboratories and isolation centers established during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure their readiness for an Ebola response. Express executive approval for N785.3 million has been granted for these readiness activities, with state-level plans finalized and disbursements underway.

However, significant challenges persist. Idris expressed concern over the dilapidated state of many facilities, noting that some have been abandoned and require urgent rehabilitation. Operational issues, such as unreliable electricity supply at some molecular laboratories, are also hindering efforts, leading to the wastage of reagents and consumables. Despite these hurdles, the NCDC remains confident in its ability to improve the national preparedness system.

We found that most of the facilities are in a horrible, dilapidated state. Some have been abandoned and require urgent rehabilitation.

— Dr. Olajide IdrisExpressing concern about the condition of health facilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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