NCDC urges governors to boost Ebola prevention funding

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has urged governors across Nigeria's 36 states to bolster funding for Ebola prevention measures. This appeal is a response to growing concerns about the resurgence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease in parts of Africa.

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The idea is to prevent any cases from entering the country, and this is one of the most practical ways to achieve that. Other government agencies are also collaborating, particularly in Lagos and at airport points of entry. Similar measures have been established at other international airports across the country.

Dr. Idris emphasized that while the Federal Government is implementing national measures, including enhanced monitoring at airports and contact tracing, state governments must increase their capacity building and funding for interventions. He highlighted the critical role of health workers, stating that the NCDC cannot manage the response alone and requires state-level support for personnel and infrastructure.

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There is a need to support health workers across the states because they are key stakeholders in this response. The NCDC cannot carry the burden alone. State governments need to fund their personnel and provide the necessary infrastructure.

The NCDC is collaborating with state governments through the Governors' Forum to advocate for stronger health sector support. While some states are making progress, Dr. Idris stressed the need for broader commitment to ensure comprehensive prevention strategies. Measures at airports and other entry points are being strengthened to prevent any cases from entering the country.

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Travel medicine is all about the traveller’s health. We aim to prevent illness among travellers. So, you can imagine that if you are travelling and come down with an illness, it will disrupt your entire trip.

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Patrick Chukwuma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine (NSTM), underscored the importance of travel medicine in preventing the spread of diseases like Ebola. He noted that travel medicine professionals act as gatekeepers, crucial in preventing the importation of dangerous viruses into the country. Chukwuma urged newly inducted members to make travel history a routine part of patient assessments.

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We are also learning that diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19 and others are spread through travel. So, travel medicine is also about being gatekeepers to prevent the importation of dangerous viruses into a country.