The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has intensified nationwide preparedness efforts after classifying the risk of importing the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into Nigeria as high.
The agency attributed the heightened risk to ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of East Africa, increased international travel, population movements, and porous borders that could facilitate cross-border transmission.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the assessment followed a comprehensive and dynamic risk evaluation conducted in response to the evolving public health situation in the region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed Ebola case, Dr. Idris noted that the possibility of delayed detection remains a major concern because Ebola symptoms often resemble those of other endemic diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.
To strengthen the country’s readiness, the NCDC has activated key response measures, including enhanced surveillance at points of entry, improved laboratory preparedness, risk communication campaigns, case management readiness, and closer coordination with stakeholders across the health sector.
Dr. Idris called on state governments to immediately activate their emergency preparedness systems and ensure that response structures are fully operational. He also urged healthcare workers and frontline personnel to maintain a high level of vigilance when managing patients presenting symptoms consistent with Ebola infection.
“Since confirmation of the outbreak in the region, the NCDC has intensified preparedness activities nationwide to ensure Nigeria remains ready to rapidly detect, investigate, contain, and respond to any potential outbreak,” he said.
The agency revealed that it has completed a national risk assessment and vulnerability analysis to guide preparedness and response strategies. It further emphasized that early detection, prompt reporting of suspected cases, and sustained vigilance across all levels of the healthcare system remain critical to preventing an outbreak.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with state governments, healthcare institutions, and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious disease threats.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths, with 116 additional suspected cases under investigation. Uganda has also reported 15 confirmed cases, including one death.
Ebola, which spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and close human contact, has claimed more than 15,000 lives across Africa over the last five decades, making preparedness and rapid response essential to preventing further loss of life.
