Lagos unveils ‘Operation BioShield’ against Ebola threat

The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) public awareness campaign tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield” as part of proactive measures to strengthen preparedness and prevent the importation of the deadly disease into the state amid ongoing outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured residents that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, stressed that the campaign is intended to promote public awareness and preparedness rather than respond to an existing health emergency.

Abayomi disclosed that the current outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is presently no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. He noted that prevention and early detection remain the most effective tools for controlling the disease.

According to the commissioner, public understanding of Ebola is critical to limiting its spread and preventing unnecessary fear within communities, adding “Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation, and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools. I urge residents to remain informed and vigilant”.

He explained that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact, emphasizing that the virus spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already ill. He added that access to accurate information would help preserve social cohesion by discouraging stigma and misinformation.

Abayomi noted that, as Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land, and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world. He revealed that both the Federal and Lagos State Governments are working closely with aviation, maritime, border health and public health authorities to strengthen surveillance and screening protocols at all points of entry.

The commissioner further announced that the Ministry of Health would intensify public enlightenment efforts in the coming weeks through a comprehensive education campaign focused on Ebola prevention, symptoms, reporting channels and protective measures. The campaign, he said, would target homes, schools, workplaces and communities across the state.

He urged residents to rely only on verified information and support efforts aimed at protecting public health. Individuals returning from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding were advised to immediately contact emergency lines 112 or 767, or the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485. Recalling Lagos’ successful containment of Ebola in 2014, Abayomi expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to respond to any future threat, saying Lagos remains prepared, vigilant and committed to safeguarding the health of all residents.