The Osun State Government plans to reopen a designated emergency isolation facility within one week and expand public education campaigns as it strengthens preparations against a possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) threat.
The measures were outlined at a meeting of the State Steering Committee on Ebola, where officials reviewed the state’s readiness for disease surveillance, prevention and emergency response.
A report prepared by the Public Health Operations Centre in the state Ministry of Health identified gaps requiring urgent attention, including isolation capacity, healthcare worker training, emergency transport and coordination across local government areas.
Under the proposed timeline, the state is expected to reclaim and prepare its designated isolation facility for use within seven days. The committee also recommended establishing holding bays in selected hospitals to support the management of suspected cases.
Healthcare response capacity is another priority. The report called for training to begin with existing master trainers, dedicated ambulances to transport suspected patients and adequate supplies of protective equipment.
At the community level, the government is expected to broaden public sensitisation through radio and television broadcasts, including health education jingles in Yoruba, Hausa and other local languages.
The committee also recommended extending Ebola preparedness meetings to local government areas, with Local Government Rapid Response Teams involved in coordinating activities. Private healthcare practitioners are to be engaged to improve early identification and reporting of suspected infections.
The report emphasised that implementing the recommendations would require emergency funding, timely executive approvals, clearly assigned responsibilities and regular monitoring by the State Steering Committee.
The preparations come as the Federal Government urges hospitals nationwide to make isolation beds available and reinforce infection prevention and control measures.
Federal authorities have also raised concerns about gaps in state-level readiness, reporting that 15 states have yet to update their Ebola response plans as efforts continue to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to respond to the disease.
You Might Also Like
