Ebola: FG Directs Hospitals to Prepare Isolation Centres, Protective Equipment

The Federal Government has directed hospitals across the country to prepare isolation facilities, provide adequate protective equipment and strengthen infection prevention measures following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed the directive during a briefing in Abuja, saying the measures were necessary to prevent further transmission and ensure that health facilities could respond promptly to suspected cases.

Pate said all public and private hospitals had been instructed to make provisions for isolation beds and ensure that healthcare workers were adequately trained and protected.

“We have notified all our hospitals to make room for bed capacity, isolation, and prepare their health workers in terms of infection prevention in these cases, because health workers are on the front lines,” the minister said.

He also urged private hospitals and medical practitioners to promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities rather than manage them without the necessary precautions.

The directive comes after Nigeria confirmed a case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the FCT on October 20. The patient, who had recently travelled from Uganda, was initially admitted to a private hospital and subsequently placed in isolation.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated its national response structure and intensified surveillance, contact tracing and infection prevention measures in collaboration with FCT health authorities and international partners.

The government also raised concerns about preparedness gaps in some states. Pate said 21 states had accelerated their response plans, while 15 others were urged to improve their readiness.

The NCDC has called on healthcare facilities to strengthen screening and triage, ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is available, and separate suspected cases from other patients while promptly notifying public health authorities.

The agency has also stressed that healthcare workers should take appropriate precautions when a suspected case is identified without waiting for laboratory confirmation.

Authorities have urged Nigerians to remain calm, follow public health guidance and avoid spreading unverified information as the national response continues.