The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised concerns over the country’s preparedness for a possible Ebola outbreak, stating that national readiness currently stands at about 59%.
NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this following a recent assessment of Nigeria’s outbreak response capacity, noting gaps in key areas such as surveillance systems, isolation facilities, emergency coordination, and preparedness at points of entry.
He explained that while progress has been made, vulnerabilities remain, particularly at international airports and land borders, which are considered high-risk entry points for infectious diseases. The assessment comes amid renewed Ebola outbreaks in parts of Central and East Africa, heightening regional risk due to travel and cross-border movement.
The NCDC says it is strengthening surveillance and supporting states to close identified gaps, while also improving emergency response systems nationwide.
Nigeria, which has previously successfully contained Ebola in 2014, remains at risk but continues to rely on strengthened disease surveillance and rapid response measures to prevent outbreak
Source: Leadership News
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