The Enugu State Government has intensified measures to strengthen the state’s preparedness against a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with the Ministry of Health organising a sensitisation programme for surveillance and risk communication officers.
The one-day training, held recently in Enugu, was organised by the state Ministry of Health under the leadership of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, as part of efforts to enhance disease surveillance, risk communication and emergency response capacity across the state.
Declaring the meeting open, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. George Ikechukwu Nwachi, emphasised the importance of the partnership between the Enugu State Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in strengthening health security in the state and the South-East.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Okechukwu Ogbodo, in his presentation, outlined the objectives of the sensitisation programme and provided participants with an update on Ebola, including the prevailing situation across Africa and Nigeria.
Ogbodo disclosed that 4,686 confirmed cases had been recorded across affected countries, while Nigeria had not recorded any confirmed case.
He, however, warned that the risk of importing the disease remained significant because of the continuous movement of people across international borders.
The epidemiologist also drew attention to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, noting that it currently has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, thereby making early detection, rapid response and effective outbreak control particularly important.
The State Coordinator of the Ebola Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Chinyere Ezeudu, delivered the welcome remarks, while the State Disease Notification and Surveillance Officer (DNSO) led a session on Ebola surveillance.
The Assistant DNSO, Mr. Udoka Onugwu, provided participants with detailed guidance on infection prevention and control, while the State Health Promotion Officer, Mrs. Agu Stella Ukamaka, focused on risk communication and community engagement.
The training concluded with participants developing an action plan aimed at strengthening Enugu’s capacity to detect and respond to any suspected Ebola case.
The sensitisation programme forms part of the broader health-security strategy of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration, which has prioritised disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, primary healthcare strengthening and improved access to quality healthcare.
The state government said the latest intervention would further enhance the ability of health officials and communities to identify potential threats early, contain outbreaks and respond rapidly to emerging public health emergencies.
The initiative, it added, underscores the administration’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive health system capable of safeguarding the health of Ndi Enugu against emerging infectious diseases.
