FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following growing concerns over the ongoing outbreak in parts of Africa.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with health partners in Awka, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and public awareness, stating that every Anambra citizen must be sensitised on Ebola prevention and response measures.
The meeting, which focused on stakeholder preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease, reviewed the state’s readiness to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak. Participants assessed existing response mechanisms and identified areas requiring improvement to ensure a coordinated and rapid response.
Dr Obidike urged residents to remain cautious and adhere to recommended preventive measures, stressing that public cooperation remains critical in preventing the spread of the disease while revealing that the discussions align with national efforts led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to strengthen Ebola preparedness across the country.
As part of the national strategy, states are expected to implement a minimum package of preparedness actions within the next two weeks, while a weekly monitoring and reporting mechanism will be established between state governments and the NCDC to track progress and address identified gaps.
The Commissioner assured stakeholders that Anambra State would continue working closely with health partners and relevant agencies to strengthen measures and protect residents from any potential Ebola threat.
The Health partners, during discussions, identified priority areas requiring urgent attention, including disease surveillance, alert management, laboratory preparedness, case management, infection prevention and control measures.
They also highlighted the need to strengthen risk communication and community engagement, logistics and commodity readiness, surveillance at points of entry and continuity of essential health services and further emphasised the importance of research, inter-agency collaboration and sustained investment in public health systems to strengthen the state’s capacity to respond effectively to disease outbreaks.
Ibeneme Maria Nkilimma
Senior Info and Pub Relations Officer
12/6/26
