By Salihu Tsibiri
House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has urged Nigerian citizens to remain calm and strictly adhere to preventive guidelines issued by health authorities to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus.
Chairman of the committee, Mr. Amobi Godwin Ogah, made the appeal while leading members of the committee to brief the House of Representatives Press Corps in Abuja on the recent report of appearance of the virus in Nigeria.
Mr. Among Ogah, who advised Nigerians not to be panic stressed the need for public vigilance, early detection and strict compliance with health advisories as relevant authorities have been taking necessary steps to prevent the possible spread of the Disease across the country.
The lawmakers emphasised that Nigerians should rely only on verified information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), rather than panic or unverified reports.
The committee also directed all relevant health agencies at the federal and state levels to strengthen surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, contact tracing and emergency response measures to prevent further transmission.
The members of the parliament further expressed concern that delays in identifying suspected cases, isolating confirmed infections and tracing contacts could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The lawmakers further identified public awareness, adequate infection prevention and control supplies, healthcare workers’ preparedness and sufficient emergency response funding as critical to containing any potential outbreak.
They also called for urgent release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to enable them carry out their responsibilities effectively while appealing for immediately mobilization of relevant public and private health institutions to intensify preparedness and response efforts.
They however, called for the urgent release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
The committee equally acknowledged the importance of collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international and regional public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s response measures are guided by scientific evidence and international health regulations.
Assured the committee’s continued commitment to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the country’s Ebola situation and report back to the House for further legislative action.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
