The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that there is no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country, while activating enhanced precautionary measures to strengthen national preparedness and response systems.
In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the action followed recent reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, said the ministry, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Port Health Services and other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring developments in collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional health authorities.
Pate said Nigeria had intensified surveillance and preparedness efforts to safeguard public health and strengthen the country’s capacity for early detection and rapid response.
“While Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government is taking all necessary proactive measures to strengthen national preparedness, surveillance and coordination mechanisms to protect the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” he said.
According to the minister, measures already implemented include enhanced surveillance and monitoring nationwide, strengthened screening and health declaration protocols at points of entry, increased coordination with state ministries of health and stakeholders, as well as improved laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity.
He added that infection prevention and control measures had been reinforced across health facilities, while public awareness campaigns, risk communication and community engagement activities had also been intensified.
Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation and continue observing preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of persons showing symptoms of illness.
He also advised members of the public to promptly report any unusual illness to the nearest health facility.
Healthcare workers across the country were urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols, promptly isolate suspected cases and report through established public health channels.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting public health and maintaining national health security through coordinated preparedness and rapid response efforts.
The ministry added that it would continue to provide updates as necessary.
