FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PLANS STATE EBOLA TREATMENT CENTRES AS MONITORED CONTACTS INCREASE TO 53

Public health authorities expand isolation capacity and surge response across state ports of entry following confirmed imported case in the Federal Capital Territory

The Federal Government has commenced plans to establish and equip specialized Ebola treatment centres across states with designated international ports of entry, as the number of monitored contacts linked to Nigeria's confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has risen to 53.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that response teams have concluded readiness assessments and capacity optimization at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). Additionally, infection prevention and control (IPC) assessments are underway to expand surge isolation capacity at the Karu General Hospital, alongside strategic preparations to assist subnational governments in scaling up localized emergency capabilities.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted that public health officers are conducting daily health monitoring for all 53 identified contacts. He emphasized that subnational readiness is critical to preventing potential community transmission, urging state governments to urgently allocate resources for contact tracing, active surveillance, and field response operations. Authorities reaffirmed that while subnational technical competencies vary, targeted training programs are actively being deployed to fortify state-level health workers.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, assured the public that the index patient is demonstrating positive clinical progress under strict isolation. The Federal Government reiterated its call for citizens to adhere strictly to recommended personal hygiene practices, report suspected symptoms via official emergency helplines, and avoid spreading unverified rumors capable of creating unnecessary panic.