Nigeria Tells 15 States to Get Ready for Ebola

The federal government has asked 15 states to speed up their readiness as Nigeria takes action to handle the first confirmed imported case of Ebola.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made this statement on Thursday during a briefing with the National Economic Council (NEC) about Nigeria’s response to the Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Pate mentioned that 21 states have already updated their Ebola response plans. He expects the remaining 15 states to quickly set up their own preparedness and response plans, according to Voice of Nigeria.

The minister pointed out that important parts of the national response include coordination and governance, detecting cases at entry points, laboratory testing, logistics for medical supplies and protective equipment, and effective communication.

This news comes as the federal government is working to improve readiness after confirming an imported Ebola case in Abuja.

At the NEC meeting, Mr Pate said Nigeria is trying to put in place a strong national response system that includes both federal and state authorities.

He noted that all state governments had been informed about the situation. Most states have developed response plans with help from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The government is focused on making sure the other states improve their preparedness.

Mr Pate also said they are working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other partners.

He added that Nigeria is enhancing surveillance at entry points and ensuring that current screening tools, like thermal imaging equipment, are working properly.

Later on Thursday, during a press briefing in Abuja, Mr Pate said there are no limits on large gatherings for now.

He explained that there is no reason to change plans for large gatherings at this time.

“At this moment there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,” he said.

But he did mention that the government could change this decision if the situation changes.

“But if the situation changes, we would make a determination, we would consult broadly with the right experts and make that determination,” he said.

Mr Pate reiterated that any decisions will be made based on scientific evidence and public health needs.

He also shared that the confirmed Ebola patient is recovering, with lab results showing improvement.

He spoke with the doctors treating her and mentioned that there is a chance she will recover.

“Thankfully, that individual is being taken care of and in fact is recovering. Today I spoke to the clinicians and I understand that lab results are showing great improvement and there is a possibility that she will recover from this,” Mr Pate said.

During the briefing, Mr Pate urged Nigerians to stay alert but reassured them that there is no reason to panic.

He encouraged people to practice basic health measures. This includes washing hands regularly and avoiding unnecessary contact with bodily fluids.

He also advised anyone with symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle aches, especially if they have travel history, to stay isolated and quickly inform public health authorities.

Hospitals have been told to prepare isolation beds and strengthen infection control measures. Private health facilities have also been asked to immediately notify public health authorities about suspected cases.