Lagos Launches ‘Operation BioShield’ to Prevent Possible Ebola Outbreak

The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide emergency awareness initiative, tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield,” to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following fresh outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, who assured residents that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.

According to Abayomi, the initiative is a proactive strategy aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, public awareness and emergency preparedness across the state.

“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention,” he said.

The commissioner explained that the heightened vigilance was prompted by recent outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

He noted that the strain currently has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, making prevention and early detection critical to controlling any potential outbreak.

“Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools,” Abayomi stated.

He added that increasing public understanding of Ebola would help combat misinformation, reduce panic and discourage the stigmatisation of affected individuals.

Providing clarification on transmission, Abayomi explained that Ebola is not spread through casual contact. Instead, infection occurs through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already showing symptoms.

The commissioner noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major transportation gateway, maintains extensive air, land and maritime connections with countries across Africa and beyond.

“As Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world,” he said.

He disclosed that the state government is working closely with federal authorities, aviation agencies, maritime officials, border health services and other public health institutions to reinforce surveillance and screening measures at all entry points.

Abayomi further revealed that public sensitisation campaigns would be intensified in schools, workplaces and communities across the state.

He urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and seek information only from credible health authorities while promptly reporting any suspected symptoms through designated emergency channels.