BY FAVOUR OKAFOR
Recent outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have renewed concerns about the potential cross-border spread of the deadly disease, underscoring the need for Nigeria to remain vigilant despite its Ebola-free status.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded the highest number of Ebola outbreaks globally, while Uganda has also experienced repeated episodes of the disease in recent years. Public health experts warn that increased regional travel and cross-border movement make continuous preparedness critical for all African countries.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person. Although the virus is not airborne, it can spread rapidly where infection prevention and control measures are inadequate.
Nigeria’s successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak remains one of the country’s greatest public health achievements. The swift response—characterised by aggressive contact tracing, prompt isolation of infected persons, effective public awareness campaigns, and coordinated action by health authorities—prevented what could have become a major national health emergency.
Health experts say maintaining that level of preparedness is crucial to preventing a recurrence.
They recommend sustained disease surveillance at airports, seaports, and land borders, strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols in healthcare facilities, and continuous training for frontline health workers.
Citizens also have a critical role to play by maintaining proper hand hygiene, promptly reporting suspected cases to health authorities, avoiding contact with body fluids of infected persons, and refraining from handling the bodies of individuals who die from unexplained illnesses without appropriate medical guidance.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) continues to monitor the regional situation and has advised state governments to strengthen emergency preparedness and response systems. Public health experts also stress the importance of combating misinformation by relying on timely and accurate information from credible health authorities.
As recent developments across Africa demonstrate, the threat of Ebola has not disappeared. Preventing another outbreak in Nigeria requires sustained investment in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and public health education.
Ultimately, experts say, safeguarding the country against Ebola is a shared responsibility. While governments must strengthen health systems and response mechanisms, citizens must remain vigilant, comply with public health guidelines, and report suspected cases early. Nigeria’s experience has shown that early detection, rapid response, and public cooperation remain the country’s strongest defence against Ebola Virus Disease.
