…Nigeria Boosts Outbreak Preparedness
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Nigeria has stepped up its guard against a potential outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) ramping up surveillance and preventive measures across the country’s airports.
The renewed push comes amid growing concerns over the spread of the deadly virus in parts of East and Central Africa, prompting aviation and health authorities to strengthen early detection systems at points of entry.
At a high-level Ebola preparedness workshop held Thursday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, FAAN, in collaboration with key health and safety agencies, reviewed existing response frameworks and mapped out enhanced containment strategies to protect travelers and the wider public.
Officials at the meeting said surveillance has been intensified, particularly for passengers arriving from high-risk countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, where outbreaks have been recorded in recent years.
The Port Health Services (PHS) disclosed that advanced screening protocols are now fully operational at major international gateways.
These include active temperature checks, real-time health monitoring, and the deployment of QR code technology to streamline passenger health declarations and improve contact tracing.
According to health officials, the integration of digital tools is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to track and respond swiftly to any suspected case, reducing the risk of cross-border transmission.
“Surveillance activities have been strengthened at all international airports, with particular attention on passengers from affected regions,” a PHS representative said, noting that the measures are aligned with global health safety standards.
Medical experts at the workshop highlighted key symptoms of Ebola, including fever, unexplained bleeding, and sudden weight loss, warning that early detection remains critical to survival and containment.
While there is no universally accessible cure, they stressed that supportive care and prompt isolation can dramatically improve outcomes.
Participants underscored the need for seamless coordination among aviation authorities, health institutions, and security agencies to ensure rapid reporting and emergency response.
They also called on airline operators to remain vigilant and avoid boarding passengers showing signs consistent with the virus.
Beyond surveillance, authorities emphasized preventive measures such as strict hygiene practices, regular hand washing, and minimizing unnecessary physical contact, especially in crowded airport environments.
The workshop ended with a strong call for sustained public awareness and institutional collaboration, as Nigeria seeks to stay ahead of any potential outbreak and maintain confidence in the safety of its air travel system.
The latest move signals FAAN’s determination to avoid a repeat of past public health emergencies, reinforcing the country’s frontline defenses at its busiest international gateways.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
