The Oyo State Government has assured residents of its readiness to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to any potential threat of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as concerns grow over recent outbreaks in parts of Africa. The assurance was given as the state intensified Ebola preparedness measures following reports of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and confirmed cases in Uganda. Officials said the enhanced Ebola preparedness strategy is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring rapid response in the event of any suspected case.
The assurance comes amid heightened vigilance across several African countries following the resurgence of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Health authorities have continued to monitor developments closely due to the highly infectious nature of the disease and its potential for cross-border transmission.
Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, public health experts have stressed the importance of preparedness and early detection. The country previously demonstrated its capacity to contain an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated surveillance, contact tracing, and emergency response measures.
The Oyo State Government said maintaining a high level of readiness remains essential in preventing any possible public health emergency.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the state government was closely monitoring developments relating to the outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
According to her, while Nigeria has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease, the government has activated all necessary measures to protect residents and strengthen public health security. Ajetunmobi stated that preparedness remains the most effective line of defence against disease outbreaks and emphasized that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to protecting the lives and well-being of citizens.
She disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across all 33 local government areas of the state. The commissioner added that health facilities have been placed on heightened alert as part of the state’s Ebola preparedness framework.
According to Ajetunmobi, Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, rapid response teams, laboratories, and other critical response structures have been mobilised and placed on standby to ensure swift intervention if required. She further revealed that the Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group has been activated, while all critical preparedness pillars have been strengthened to maintain operational readiness across the state.
The commissioner called on healthcare workers, public and private health facilities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case presenting symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease.
The enhanced Ebola preparedness measures reflect efforts by the state government to strengthen public health systems and improve early warning capabilities. Public health experts note that effective surveillance and rapid response mechanisms are essential for containing infectious diseases before they spread widely. The activation of response structures also highlights the importance of collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, and community leaders in managing potential health emergencies.
