The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has introduced measures to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country. In an interim public health advisory issued on Tuesday, the NCDC stated that travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to complete health declaration forms. This move is part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures. The advisory was signed by the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris.
The NCDC's decision follows an assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The measure is aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola in Nigeria, given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The NCDC clarified that passengers arriving from other countries are currently exempt from completing the form.
The NCDC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with Ebola and seek medical attention promptly where necessary. The general public is encouraged to be aware of symptoms consistent with EVD and to report relevant travel or exposure history where applicable. This is part of the NCDC's efforts to ensure preparedness and response to public health threats.
Nigeria remains on high alert, with preparedness activities ongoing. The NCDC stated that the measures would continue to be reviewed in line with changes in the epidemiological situation and public health risk assessment. The agency is committed to protecting Nigerians through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness, and response to public health threats.
The NCDC's advisory is a response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak has prompted international concern, and countries are taking measures to prevent its spread. Nigeria's NCDC is working closely with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure that the country is prepared to respond to any potential cases.
The NCDC has reported that it is working to strengthen its surveillance and response systems to detect and respond to potential cases of Ebola. The agency has also called on the public to cooperate with its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. By working together, the NCDC aims to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola in Nigeria.
The NCDC's efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola are part of its broader mandate to protect the health of Nigerians. The agency is responsible for disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health emergency preparedness. With its enhanced surveillance measures, the NCDC is working to ensure that Nigeria is prepared to respond to public health threats.
Key points
- Travellers from countries with active Ebola transmission may be required to complete health declaration forms.
- The NCDC is working to strengthen its surveillance and response systems to detect and respond to potential cases of Ebola.
- Nigeria remains on high alert, with preparedness activities ongoing to prevent the spread of Ebola.
