Following the recent reports of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Oyo State Government has assured residents of their safety in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, gave the assurance on Thursday, declaring that the government was ready to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to any potential threat of EVD.
Measures to prevent Ebola
She stated in a release that, although Nigeria has not recorded any case of Ebola Virus Disease, the state government was closely monitoring developments and has activated necessary preparedness measures to safeguard the health of residents.
She said the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, remained fully committed to protecting the lives and wellbeing of all citizens, stressing that public health security remained a top priority of the government.
As part of proactive measures, the commissioner disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across 33 local government areas of the state, while health facilities have been placed on heightened alert.
She added that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Rapid Response Teams, laboratories, and other critical response structures have been mobilised and positioned for prompt action, should the need arise.
Dr. Ajetunmobi further revealed that the Ebola Virus Disease Technical Working Group has been activated, while all critical preparedness pillars have been strengthened to ensure the state remained fully prepared for any eventuality.
She called on healthcare workers, public and private health facilities, traditional and religious leaders, community stakeholders, and the people to remain vigilant.
She urged the residents to promptly report any suspected case presenting with symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or a history of travel to affected areas.
The commissioner emphasised that there was no confirmed case of EVD currently in the state or Nigeria, and urged residents not to panic.
The commissioner declared that preparedness remained the most effective line of defence against disease outbreaks,
She, therefore, stated that the state government will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other relevant partners.
The collaborative measure, she added, was to ensure Oyo State remained safe and was adequately prepared.
Dr Ajetunmobi, however, urged the people to embrace vigilance, preparedness, and collective responsibility in protecting the health and wellbeing of all citizens.
