From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has activated its Emergency Operations Centre as part of proactive measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of Ebola Virus Disease, following fresh warnings issued by the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the state’s preparedness after the declaration of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
According to the commissioner, the Federal Ministry of Health has directed all states to strengthen surveillance, emergency preparedness, and response mechanisms to prevent possible importation of the disease into Nigeria.
“Following the declaration of Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the Federal Ministry of Health issued protocols to all states on emergency preparedness and response.
“In Cross River, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the state remains safe and prepared for any eventuality,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk stated that the State Ministry of Health, through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in alert mode to ensure rapid detection, reporting, and response to any suspected case.
“We are on heightened alert for persons showing symptoms associated with Ebola, travelers arriving from affected countries, and unexplained deaths or illnesses accompanied by bleeding.
“These situations require immediate investigation and reporting,” he added.
The commissioner disclosed that surveillance activities and active case searches have been intensified across all local government areas, particularly in border communities. Surveillance collaboration with neighbouring Cameroon and interstate border authorities has also been strengthened.
“As a border state, we are intensifying surveillance and active case searches, especially in our border communities.
“We have also strengthened cross-border collaboration to ensure timely information sharing and coordinated response efforts,” he stated.
He further revealed that surveillance officers, clinicians, healthcare workers, and port health officials stationed at various entry points are being sensitised on Ebola case definitions, reporting procedures, referral mechanisms, and isolation protocols.
He added that a multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre meeting involving stakeholders from health, animal health, environmental health, port health, security agencies, and other sectors has been convened under the One Health Approach to coordinate preparedness efforts.
The commissioner noted that screening and follow-up of travellers from affected countries have commenced at airports, land borders, seaports, and other entry points, while infection prevention and control measures are being reinforced across health facilities through improved hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and strict isolation procedures.
“We have adopted a One Health Approach and are positioning personal protective equipment and case management materials across our health facilities.
“At the same time, we are intensifying public awareness campaigns in communities, markets, churches, and on social media because public vigilance is critical to disease prevention,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk disclosed that a costed emergency preparedness plan is being finalised for implementation, while information, education, and communication materials are being continuously circulated to healthcare workers, health facilities, and the general public to enhance awareness and preparedness.
While assuring residents that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Cross River State, the commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected case to the nearest health facility or relevant health authorities.
“There is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Cross River State.
“However, the government remains fully committed to protecting the health and safety of residents through proactive surveillance, early detection, and rapid response measures against Ebola and other disease outbreaks,” he assured.