FG Warns 15 States to Step Up Ebola Preparedness

The Federal Government has urged 15 states to accelerate their Ebola preparedness plans following the confirmation of an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this while briefing the National Economic Council (NEC), noting that 21 states had updated their response plans.

Pate directed hospitals nationwide to strengthen infection prevention measures, prepare isolation beds and protect frontline health workers. He also urged private healthcare facilities to promptly report suspected cases.

The minister said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was coordinating the national response with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

He reassured Nigerians that the country had the public health institutions needed to contain the outbreak, urging citizens to remain vigilant, avoid panic and rely on verified information.

The Federal Government also directed its information agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns on Ebola prevention and control.

Members of the public were advised to report suspected cases through the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line: 6232.