By Khadija Kubau
The EduMedia Climate Reform on Health Initiative (e-MICH) has called for stronger disease surveillance, intensified public health awareness and improved national preparedness to prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.
The organisation, in a statement issued in Kaduna, warned that misinformation, delayed reporting of suspected cases and inadequate public awareness could undermine efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
It emphasised that reports of a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria must be verified through official channels, particularly the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), urging Nigerians to rely on credible sources for public health information.
The Founder of e-MICH, Garba Muhammad, said disease prevention should remain a national priority, irrespective of whether an outbreak had been confirmed.
He stressed the need for families and communities to take preventive measures seriously, seek prompt medical attention when necessary and report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities.
The organisation explained that Ebola can spread through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people or animals, as well as contaminated materials.
It advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, maintain personal hygiene, avoid contact with potentially infected bodily fluids and refrain from handling sick or dead wildlife without appropriate protection.
e-MICH also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC, Federal Ministry of Environment and state and local government authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, equip healthcare facilities, protect frontline health workers and improve emergency response systems.
The organisation advocated sustained public enlightenment through radio, television, schools, religious institutions and community engagement, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
It further urged healthcare providers to reinforce infection prevention and control measures while ensuring that suspected cases are identified promptly and referred safely for medical assessment.
The statement called on traditional and religious leaders, market associations, journalists and community volunteers to support accurate information sharing and discourage the stigmatisation of people suspected of having the disease.
According to e-MICH, stronger collaboration among human health, veterinary and environmental health professionals is also essential to preventing zoonotic diseases under the One Health approach.
The organisation advised anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly following possible exposure to an infected person or animal, to seek immediate guidance from health authorities and avoid close contact with others pending medical assessment.
It urged Nigerians to contact the NCDC through its toll-free line, 6232, for relevant public health guidance.
e-MICH reaffirmed its commitment to public health education, environmental responsibility and community mobilisation, calling on Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified information.
It stressed that preventing Ebola requires collective responsibility, sustained preparedness and timely action by individuals, communities and government institutions.
