The federal authorities has urged 15 states to speed up preparedness as Nigeria steps up measures to include the nation’s first confirmed imported case of Ebola illness.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made the decision on Thursday whereas briefing the National Economic Council (NEC) on Nigeria’s response to the Ebola case within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mr Pate mentioned 21 states had already up to date their Ebola response plans, whereas the remaining 15 states are anticipated to expedite the institution of applicable preparedness and response mechanisms, Voice of Nigeria studies.
The minister recognized coordination and governance, detection at factors of entry, laboratory testing capability, logistics for important medical provides and private protecting tools, and efficient communication as key parts of the nationwide response.
The growth comes because the federal authorities continues to strengthen preparedness following affirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja.
States strengthen response
At the NEC assembly, Mr Pate mentioned Nigeria is working to operationalise a strong nationwide response system involving federal and state authorities.
The minister mentioned the federal government had already knowledgeable all state governments in regards to the state of affairs, whereas most states had response plans developed with steering from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He mentioned the federal government is working to make sure that the remaining states strengthened their preparedness.
Mr Pate mentioned the federal government is coordinating with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and different technical companions.
He additionally mentioned Nigeria is strengthening its surveillance at factors of entry and dealing to make sure that present screening capability, together with thermal imaging tools, was useful.
No restrictions on gatherings
Speaking in a while Thursday at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, Mr Pate mentioned there are not any restrictions on massive gatherings for now.
He mentioned there may be at the moment no indication to alter the course of deliberate massive gatherings.
“At this moment there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned,” he mentioned.
He, nevertheless, mentioned the federal government may evaluate the choice if the state of affairs modified.
“But if the situation changes, we would make a determination, we would consult broadly with the right experts and make that determination,” he mentioned.
Mr Pate mentioned such selections can be based mostly on scientific proof and public well being concerns.
Patient displaying enchancment
The minister additionally disclosed that the confirmed Ebola affected person was recovering, with laboratory outcomes displaying enchancment.
He mentioned he had spoken with the clinicians treating the affected person and that there was a risk she would get well.
READ ALSO: Ebola: Nigerian govt says no restrictions on large gatherings for now
“Thankfully, that individual is being taken care of and in fact is recovering. Today I spoke to the clinicians and I understand that lab results are showing great improvement and there is a possibility that she will recover from this,” Mr Pate mentioned.
Government urges calm
At the ministerial briefing, Mr Pate urged Nigerians to stay vigilant however mentioned there isn’t a want for panic.
He suggested individuals to comply with fundamental public well being measures, together with common hand washing and avoiding pointless contact with bodily fluids.
He additionally urged individuals experiencing signs corresponding to fever, headache and muscle aches, significantly these with a related journey historical past, to isolate themselves and promptly notify public well being authorities.
Hospitals have additionally been directed to put together isolation beds and strengthen an infection prevention and management measures, whereas non-public well being services have been urged to promptly notify public well being authorities of suspected circumstances.
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