NCDC calls for more state support to prevent Ebola spread
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, led by Dr Jide Idris, is urging state governors to increase funding for health workers to help prevent the entry of Ebola into Nigeria. The appeal was made during a recent event in Lagos, where officials highlighted the importance of state-level action alongside federal efforts. Dr Patrick Chukwuma and Prof. Akin Abayomi also emphasized the role of travel medicine and legislative measures in disease prevention. The federal government has intensified health screenings at points of entry, with no confirmed Ebola cases in Nigeria at this time.
Highlights
- Dr Jide Idris appealed to governors to provide more funding and support for health workers to prevent Ebola from entering Nigeria.
- Existing measures include strengthened monitoring at airports, contact tracing, and collaboration among government agencies, especially in Lagos.
- Dr Patrick Chukwuma stressed the importance of travel medicine in preventing the spread of diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.
- Prof. Akin Abayomi noted that Lagos is working on legislation to make health insurance compulsory and has increased preventive efforts at airports.
- The federal government has heightened screening at airports, seaports, and land borders, with no confirmed Ebola cases reported in Nigeria.
