Enugu Gov't Strengthens Surveillance at Airports to Prevent Possible Ebola Importation

The Enugu State Government says it has intensified surveillance at international points of entry and expanded risk communication strategies as part of measures to prevent the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease into the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu after a meeting of the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Ebola prevention. The meeting brought together health stakeholders and officials of the Port Health Services at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Professor Ugwu said the state had deployed additional health surveillance officers to strengthen existing port health operations at the airport, noting that collaboration with relevant federal authorities remains key to preventing any breach of entry protocols.

He stated that the government is also scaling up public awareness campaigns across communities, religious institutions, and traditional structures. According to him, electronic flyers and media jingles in English and Igbo languages are being circulated to improve public understanding of Ebola prevention measures.

The Commissioner stressed that all international travellers must comply with established health screening procedures, including accurate completion of contact information forms and adherence to preventive protocols.

“All we want to achieve is to ensure all international travellers observe due Ebola prevention protocols and due contact addresses collected, while no one should evade laid down entry protocol,” Professor Ugwu said.

He added that the state government, under Governor Peter Mbah, has prioritised the protection of public health, stating that “the state government, ably led by our proactive Governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah, has placed priority on protecting the health of Ndi Enugu.”

Professor Ugwu further noted that the ministry has engaged religious and traditional leaders to help cascade awareness messages to grassroots communities, while warning residents to report any suspected symptoms, especially among recent travellers from affected countries such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We are leaving no stone unturned as the state would also ensure necessary steps are taken to protect residents,” he said.

He also explained that ongoing sensitisation efforts include engagement with community leaders and intensified media campaigns aimed at making Ebola prevention a household message across the state.

“We are pushing it higher by major jingles in both English and Igbo languages to be placed on radio and television stations in the state,” he added.

Professor Ugwu urged residents to remain vigilant, observe hygiene practices, and promptly report suspected cases to health authorities, assuring that the government remains fully alert to safeguard public health across Enugu State.

Tags:#EbolaPrevention #EnuguState #PublicHealth #AkanuIbiamAirport #HealthSecurity #PeterMbah #NigeriaHealth #DiseasePrevention