EBOLA ALERT: ANAMBRA HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR URGES VIGILANCE AS STATE STRENGTHENS PREPAREDNESS

By Ebele Egoh

The Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has called on residents of Anambra State to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as the state government intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness and response capacity.

Dr. Ifeanaeme made the call on June 10, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reviewing and enhancing the state’s readiness to prevent and respond to any potential Ebola outbreak.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the hospital administrator said the deliberations underscored the need for sustained public awareness, activing community participation in disease prevention and control.

Although Anambra State has not recorded any case of Ebola, he noted that the government is taking proactive measures in response to reports of outbreaks in some parts of Africa.

“Ebola is a highly infectious disease, but it can be prevented when people are adequately informed and comply with recommended health guidelines. This is why public sensitisation remains a critical aspect of our preparedness strategy,” he said.

Dr. Ifeanaeme urged residents to maintain proper hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and clean water, avoiding unnecessary physical contact and promptly seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.

He disclosed that the state government, in collaboration with health partners, are strengthening disease surveillance systems, upgrading isolation facilities and enhancing rapid response mechanisms to ensure the prompt detection and containment of any suspected case.

According to him, the meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among health workers, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders in safeguarding public health.

He reassured residents that health authorities in the state are working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure compliance with national preparedness and response protocols.

The hospital administrator stressed that public cooperation remains vital in preventing the spread of Ebola, warning residents against misinformation and unnecessary panic.

“Preparedness is a collective responsibility. While government continues to put necessary structures in place, communities must remain informed, stay calm and follow verified health advisories issued by relevant authorities,” he added.

Dr. Ifeanaeme noted that the state’s preparedness plan focuses on key areas such as surveillance, laboratory readiness, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and emergency response coordination, all aimed at ensuring Anambra remains fully prepared to respond effectively to any public health threat.

He urged residents to support ongoing awareness campaigns, taking personal responsibility for their health, emphasizing that early detection, prompt reporting and strict adherence to preventive measures are essential to preventing outbreaks and saving lives.