By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has expressed confidence that Nigeria can prevent further spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), urging Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and adhere to official public health guidelines.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, gave the assurance following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Umar said the relevant public health authorities were fully engaged in containing the outbreak, with the confirmed patient isolated and receiving medical care, while contact tracing and surveillance continued.
She said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant agencies, were leading the national response.
According to her, NEMA recognises and supports the leadership of the health authorities and remains prepared to provide coordination and emergency support within the national emergency management framework as required.
“At this time, our most important message to Nigerians is: remain calm, remain vigilant and follow official health advice. There is no need for panic,” she said.
Umar said that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person who is showing symptoms, as well as contact with contaminated materials.
She urged Nigerians to observe basic preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and running water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
The NEMA boss joined medical experts to also advised the public to avoid direct contact with the blood and bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola and to refrain from handling sick or dead wild animals.
She warned against touching or preparing the bodies of people suspected of dying from the disease, stressing that such burials should be handled by trained health personnel in line with established safety protocols.
Umar further advised anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea after possible exposure to Ebola to seek immediate medical attention.
She called on Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams, provide accurate information to public health officials and comply with medical guidance.
The NEMA director-general also cautioned against spreading rumours and misinformation, while urging the public to avoid stigmatising suspected or confirmed cases.
For official guidance or to report a suspected case, she advised Nigerians to contact the NCDC toll-free line on 6232.
Umar recalled Nigeria's successful containment of Ebola in 2014, noting that the experience demonstrated the importance of early detection, effective contact tracing, responsible public behaviour and coordinated institutional action in breaking the chain of transmission.
She assured Nigerians that NEMA would continue to support the national response as required while strengthening public awareness and emergency preparedness.
She called on the public to “Stay informed. Stay calm. Stay safe. Protect yourself and protect others,” she urged.
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