FG urges 15 states to update Ebola response plans

The federal government has urged 15 state governments to update their Ebola preparedness and response plans as Nigeria strengthens measures to contain the reported outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, made the call while briefing the National Economic Council (NEC) on the outbreak at its 161st meeting, chaired virtually by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday.

Pate said 21 states had updated their response plans, urging the remaining 15 to establish appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms.

He assured the council that Nigeria had the institutional capacity to contain the situation, allaying fears of a major public health crisis.

The minister identified coordination among relevant agencies, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing capacity, logistics for essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment, and effective public communication as critical components of the response.

He said the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders to operationalise a robust national response system.

The council’s meeting provided an opportunity to review the country’s preparedness and strengthen collaboration between federal and state authorities in responding to public health threats.