FG tightens Ebola screening at Nigeria's entry points

The federal government has told health agencies to strictly carry out Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) screening and other entry rules at Nigeria's entry points. This follows reports of people not following the approved measures.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare shared this news in a statement on Friday. This comes after the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) raised concerns about issues with the government's rules.

The directive is in a circular dated 22 October. It was signed by the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate.

The ministry stated that it is important to enforce these protocols consistently and fairly. This will help lower the risk of the virus spreading across borders and protect public health and national safety.

Under this new order, various ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), health institutions, and other groups must follow the set Ebola screening, health declaration, and surveillance requirements for entry.

The ministry also called for better coordination, communication, and sharing of information among the institutions that need to implement these measures. This will help with disease monitoring, early detection, and quick responses to possible health threats.

This directive comes as Nigerian health officials deal with a confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The case involves a woman who recently flew in from Uganda.

Health authorities have started contact tracing to find people who might have been in touch with the virus. The ministry instructed relevant institutions to quickly document and report any breaches of the approved protocols through set channels.

It also urged them to support officials who enforce these measures. They should set up monitoring and accountability systems to ensure compliance.

The ministry emphasized that those in charge of enforcement should be allowed to do their work without interference. This is to ensure they can carry out their duties properly.

Additionally, the ministry directed that the advisory be shared widely with relevant departments, units, field offices, and personnel. This is to make sure everyone knows their roles.

All concerned MDAs were told to treat this directive as important. They should quickly fix any issues found and stick to the approved entry rules. The ministry said these measures are meant to protect public health and national safety.