Anambra boosts Ebola readiness amid regional outbreak concerns

The Anambra Government has reiterated its commitment to enhancing preparedness and response measures against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) amid reports of outbreaks in other parts of Africa.

Dr Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, made the statement at a stakeholders’ meeting on Ebola preparedness held on Wednesday in Awka.

Obidike urged increased vigilance and public awareness, encouraging residents to stay informed about Ebola prevention measures and to report any suspected cases promptly to the relevant health authorities.

He emphasized that public cooperation is essential to preventing the spread of the disease and called on residents to remain alert and follow the preventive guidelines issued by health authorities.

“Awareness creation and early reporting of suspected cases are vital components of an effective Ebola response strategy,” he said.

“This meeting will assess the state’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an outbreak, review existing response structures, and identify areas requiring improvement,” he added.

Obidike assured participants that the state government would continue to work with development partners and relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness measures and protect residents from potential threats.

He noted that the state’s preparedness efforts align with ongoing national initiatives coordinated by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to improve Ebola readiness across the country.

“Under the national preparedness framework, states are expected to designate isolation and treatment centres, appoint preparedness focal persons, and assess existing response capacities,” he explained.

“States are required to implement a minimum package of Ebola readiness measures within the next two weeks and establish a weekly monitoring and reporting system with the NCDC,” he said.

The commissioner said the monitoring framework would help track progress, identify gaps, and support timely interventions needed to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.

During the discussions, stakeholders identified priority areas that require urgent attention, including disease surveillance, alert management, laboratory preparedness, case management, and infection prevention and control measures.

They also highlighted the need to strengthen risk communication and community engagement, logistics and commodity readiness, surveillance at points of entry, and the continuity of essential health services.

The stakeholders further emphasized the importance of research, inter‑agency collaboration, and sustained investment in public health systems to enhance the state’s capacity to respond effectively to disease outbreaks.

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