Kwara govt heightens Ebola preparedness, begins sensitisation for point of entry officials
The Kwara State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has convened a sensitisation meeting for Point of Entry officials to strengthen the state’s preparedness and response mechanisms against Ebola and other public health threats.
The meeting brought together Port Health Officers, Immigration Officers, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), as well as development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and other supporting agencies.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, said the meeting was part of proactive efforts to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola into the state.
He said the engagement was aimed at strengthening coordination among stakeholders, improving early detection and reporting systems, and reinforcing infection prevention and control measures at all points of entry.
According to him, discussions centred on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in enhancing surveillance, ensuring prompt referral of suspected cases and maintaining effective communication across response structures.
Dr Abdullahi urged participants to remain vigilant, promptly share relevant information and adhere strictly to established public health protocols.
He added that the meeting also provided an opportunity to assess existing preparedness measures, identify gaps in the response system and strengthen collaboration among partners in safeguarding public health.
The permanent secretary reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Government and its partners to maintaining a high level of preparedness through coordinated action and effective surveillance systems.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Health had provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to Port Health officials to support their operations.
In her presentation, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Khadeejah Kamaldeen, highlighted the critical role of Port Health officials in disease prevention and control.
She explained that their responsibilities include the early detection of ill travellers, crew members, animals and contaminated goods that may pose a risk of transmitting infectious diseases.
Dr Kamaldeen noted that Port Health officials are also responsible for implementing preventive and containment measures such as isolation, quarantine and movement restrictions to prevent further spread of diseases.
She stressed the importance of timely reporting and notification of suspected cases to state and national public health authorities and, where necessary, to the World Health Organization under the International Health Regulations.
According to her, Port Health officials serve as a vital link among port operators, carriers, customs authorities, veterinary services, environmental health officers, laboratories and public health agencies.
Also speaking, the State Health Promotion Officer, Mallam Jubril Abdulkarim, outlined the objectives of the sensitisation programme.
He said the initiative was designed to raise awareness about the Ebola outbreak, strengthen surveillance and early detection systems, and promote infection prevention and control measures.
Abdulkarim added that the programme was also aimed at enhancing risk communication and community engagement, improving cross-border preparedness and encouraging the timely reporting and referral of suspected cases.
