The Federal Government has pledged to maintain Nigeria’s current zero case status for Ebola Virus Disease while bolstering the country’s capacity to take a leadership role in epidemic preparedness across Africa. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who chairs the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, made the commitment on Thursday at the task force’s inauguration at the State House in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila confirmed that no Ebola cases have been reported in Nigeria and that government efforts are being stepped up to keep it that way, emphasising that the country’s approach is prevention-focused rather than cure-oriented, with lessons from the 2014 outbreak shaping stronger surveillance and response systems.
He stated that they have established subcommittees to address key areas of concern. The Chief of Staff also said there is now stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and states with international airports, while increased attention is being given to land borders due to high cross-border movement involving the Border Management Agency, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and border communities.
Gbajabiamila stressed that they want to put in place permanent arrangements and structures so that in two or three years, if another outbreak occurs, the government will not be scrambling to establish response mechanisms. He added that the task force comprises committees on border management, immigration control, and disease surveillance, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention providing overall technical leadership and coordination.
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