Yobe govt activates emergency response, border surveillance over Ebola threat
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, provided assurances about the state’s health preparedness during a press briefing in Damaturu on Monday. Dr. Gana was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hadiza Sabo, who detailed the proactive measures initiated by the health department.
Sabo stated that the Public Health Emergency Incident Management System has been activated, and a comprehensive preparedness and response plan has been developed. The Emergency Operations Centre is overseeing these efforts, which are guided by six technical pillars set forth by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Due to Yobe’s proximity to an international border, Sabo emphasized the importance of enhancing surveillance at entry points. The state is also strengthening collaboration with border and transport authorities to ensure timely detection and response to health threats.
The six pillars identified by Sabo include coordination and management, disease surveillance, case management, infection control, laboratory support, and risk communication, as well as point-of-entry monitoring.
In addition, the state is ramping up public awareness efforts, utilizing radio, television, local town criers, and traditional rulers to share preventive health messages. Sabo encouraged residents to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with the bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, and promptly report any unusual illnesses or deaths to the nearest health facility.
