By: Mercy Peter
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has assured the National Economic Council (NEC) that Nigeria has the institutional capacity to contain Ebola and prevent a full-blown public health emergency following a confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
However, during Thursday’s council meeting, Prof. Pate raised concerns over state-level readiness, revealing that while 21 states have updated their Ebola emergency response plans, 15 states are yet to do so.
The minister called on the lagging states to establish operational containment mechanisms without delay to prevent potential spread.
Core Containment Measures Activated
Prof. Pate outlined key pillars of the Federal Ministry of Health’s emergency strategy, deployed in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and state health authorities:
Entry Point Surveillance: Enhanced screening protocols at airports, land borders, and transit points.
Laboratory & Supplies: Accelerated testing capabilities and rapid distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical kits.
Public Communication: Strategic health advisories designed to curb panic and counter fake news.
NEC Demands Renewed Push for Polio Eradication
Beyond the Ebola response, NEC instructed state governors to intensify routine immunization efforts to wipe out polio completely, with a sharp focus on conflict zones and underserved communities.
To close immunity gaps, NEC directed states to:
Disburse Counterpart Funding: Release state counterpart funds promptly to support local healthcare initiatives.
Partner with Security Forces: Work alongside military and security personnel to access children in high-risk, security-compromised areas.
Conduct Post-Campaign Reviews: Evaluate recent vaccination drives to track and reach children missed during previous rounds.
The council emphasized that sustained leadership from state governors, local council heads, and traditional rulers remains crucial to safeguarding the country against vaccine-preventable diseases alongside emerging viral threats.
