The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country at the moment, while emphasizing that preventive and preparedness measures have already been strengthened nationwide.
This assurance comes amid recent Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, explained that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services, and other agencies, is actively monitoring developments in collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional health bodies.
According to the Minister, Nigeria has heightened its surveillance and response systems to ensure early detection and rapid containment of any potential outbreak. He stressed that although no Ebola case has been recorded in Nigeria, the government is implementing proactive measures to protect citizens and strengthen public health safety.
Some of the measures already in place include enhanced nationwide surveillance, stricter screening and health declaration procedures at entry points, closer collaboration with state health ministries and stakeholders, improved laboratory readiness, and reinforced infection prevention practices in healthcare facilities. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts have also been intensified.
Prof. Pate urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid spreading false information, and continue observing preventive practices such as regular handwashing and avoiding contact with bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of illness. He also encouraged citizens to quickly report any unusual health conditions to the nearest medical facility.
Healthcare workers have similarly been advised to stay alert, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, isolate suspected cases promptly, and report them through the appropriate public health channels.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining national health security through coordinated preparedness and rapid response efforts. He added that the Ministry would continue providing updates whenever necessary.