The Federal Government announced yesterday that it had developed a National Ebola Preparedness Plan (NEPP) to forestall fresh outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Nigeria was certified Ebola-free on Monday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the end of 42 days of monitoring the virus without a fresh case.
The virus, which was imported into the country by Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer in July, killed seven people before it was contained.
Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja on the WHO certification, Coordinating minister of Health, Alhaji Khaliru Alhassan, noted that until the EVD was contained in the region and the world, chances of the virus being imported into the country remained high.
He said: “This achievement recorded by Nigeria’s public health must not be taken for granted. We must not go to sleep and start resting on our oars.
“It should serve as a warning signal that the outbreak of EVD still presents a measured threat to Nigeria and the world, until it is contained and eliminated from all countries, particularly from the West African sub-region.
“Without this, the possibility of a re-importation of EVD into Nigeria remains high. Thus, it is not quite over yet.
“It is in this regard that we have developed a NEPP with all elements to work with the states to activate their management systems, to strengthen our national preparedness and be ready to respond to a potential outbreak, should it recur.”
The minister noted that the Federal Government would set up a National Emergency Operations Centre at the nation’s capital territory.
Alhassan said about 506 volunteers were ready for deployment in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
He urged state governments to increase their surveillance systems and public awareness on the disease.
The minister further stressed the need to strengthen hospital authorities and health officials for the EVD.
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