The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has called for stronger state-level investment in health systems as Nigeria steps up preparedness against the possible spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease circulating in parts of Africa.
The Director-General of the agency, Jide Idris, made the appeal at the 3rd Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Lecture and induction ceremony of the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine in Lagos.
He said the Federal Government has strengthened surveillance at airports and border points, including screening, contact tracing, and inter-agency coordination, but stressed that states must also invest more in health systems and personnel.
“There is a need to support health workers across the states … the NCDC cannot carry the burden alone”, he said.
Idris stressed that the priority remains preventing any importation of Ebola into Nigeria through coordinated border health surveillance and rapid response systems.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said Lagos remains highly vulnerable due to its heavy air traffic volume and international travel flow. He noted that the state has strengthened surveillance and preventive measures at points of entry in collaboration with airport authorities to reduce the risk of importation.
Speaking at the event, travel medicine experts said global movement increases the risk of disease spread, stressing the importance of early detection and travel history in routine medical checks.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says no Ebola case has been confirmed in Nigeria, but says surveillance and screening at airports, seaports, and land borders have been intensified as a precaution.
