NCDC Urges Calm Over Ebola Concerns

By Babatunji Wusu

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has reassured Nigerians that there is no reason for panic over fears of a possible Ebola outbreak, insisting the country remains fully prepared to contain the virus if necessary.

Speaking on Channels Television, Biodun Ogunniyi, Head of Health Emergency Preparedness at the NCDC, said Nigeria now possesses stronger systems and better experience in handling public health emergencies.

The Nigeria Ebola preparedness response, according to Ogunniyi, has improved significantly since the country successfully controlled the deadly outbreak recorded in 2014.

“There is no need to panic because fear k+lls more than de@th itself,” he said while addressing public concerns over recent reports linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ogunniyi recalled how Nigeria managed to stop the spread of Ebola in 2014 within a short period. “In less than 70 days, the country was able to wipe this virus out,” he stated, adding that the achievement earned international recognition.

The Nigeria Ebola preparedness system now includes upgraded emergency response structures and improved laboratory facilities across the country. Ogunniyi explained that national reference laboratories in Abuja and Lagos are equipped to quickly identify and respond to suspected cases.

He also stressed that the Bundibugyo strain is not unfamiliar to Nigerian health authorities. “The Bundibugyo Ebola Virus… is not new to us, so we have the system in place… to quickly coordinate ourselves through our Public Health Emergency Operation Centre,” he added.

Reports from Democratic Republic of the Congo indicate that the outbreak has already recorded 513 cases and 131 deaths.

The NCDC maintained that the Nigeria Ebola preparedness strategy remains active as authorities continue monitoring developments closely.

Do you think Nigeria’s healthcare system is now stronger enough to handle future disease outbreaks effectively?