Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu States Prepare for Ebola Threat

The governments of Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states in the South-east have activated response plans to stop the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). They shared this information in separate interviews after the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) conducted a survey on how to prevent the disease in the region.

NAN reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have identified some states as having a high risk for Ebola due to active trade and travel routes, as well as international airports and borders.

The NCDC has advised states with international airports and heavy inter-state travel to create Emergency Operation Centres (EOC).

What Anambra is doing about Ebola

The Anambra State Government has stated that even though it is not on the NCDC's high-risk list, it is taking precautions. This is because Anambra is close to Enugu, which is listed as a high-risk state.

Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, said the state has improved surveillance in health facilities, borders, and communities. Health workers are on alert to quickly spot and respond to any suspected cases.

He mentioned that emergency response teams have been mobilised and public awareness campaigns will start to educate people on how to prevent Ebola.

Mr Obidike urged residents to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with sick people, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility. He assured the public that the government is working closely with health agencies to keep the state free from the disease.

He added that Governor Charles Soludo’s administration is dedicated to protecting the health of residents and will keep monitoring the situation while implementing all necessary measures against Ebola.

Enugu State

In Enugu State, the government has set up the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to handle Ebola prevention. George Ugwu, the state’s Commissioner for Health, told NAN that the EOC includes key health stakeholders and partners.

Mr Ugwu explained that during the first meeting on Monday, the main officers and leaders of the EOC were appointed and inaugurated. He added that the EOC has outlined the management structure for responding to the situation.

The commissioner mentioned that they established response areas, including surveillance, entry point screening, risk communication, and training for frontline health workers.

He also noted that there will be a functional isolation/holding facility at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, Enugu. "There is no need to panic as the disease is not in the country; but we will create awareness and raise alertness about it."

Mr Ugwu encouraged people to take health, hygiene, and environmental cleanliness seriously. He also urged them to seek medical help instead of self-medicating when sick. He assured that Governor Peter Mbah is committed to making sure the EOC and the health system are ready to prevent the disease.

Ebonyi State

In Ebonyi State, Commissioner for Health Moses Ekuma stated that there are currently no Ebola cases in the state. He said that Ebonyi is ready to prevent any outbreak of Ebola.

Mr Ekuma explained that Ebola can be caused by eating certain animals like antelopes, fruit bats, and monkeys. He urged residents to avoid consuming these animals unless they are certified safe by veterinary doctors.

He listed symptoms of Ebola as fever, sore throat, weakness, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, and loss of appetite. He advised people to avoid direct contact with an infected person's blood and fluids, practice good hygiene, and ensure safe burial practices for anyone who dies from Ebola.

The commissioner mentioned that awareness has been raised in Ebonyi for residents to report any suspected Ebola cases. Uchenna Nelson, chief medical advisory committee member at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, said there have been no reported cases of Ebola.

He expressed confidence in their readiness to handle any potential infections. A resident of Abakaliki, Okey Sandra, confirmed she has not heard of any Ebola cases in Ebonyi and that her family is prepared to prevent any outbreak. Another resident, Sunday Nweke from Ikwo, urged the government to promote more awareness in rural areas because "prevention is better than cure."