The Lagos State Government has activated a fresh public health preparedness campaign aimed at preventing the entry of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the state, as health authorities across Africa intensify efforts to contain new outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
The initiative, tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield,” was unveiled as part of a statewide awareness and prevention strategy designed to strengthen surveillance, improve public knowledge, and reinforce emergency response systems against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who launched the campaign yesterday, assured residents that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, stressing that the government’s action is a precautionary measure intended to keep the state ahead of potential threats.
“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention,” Abayomi said.
The health commissioner explained that the renewed vigilance follows ongoing outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, a strain for which there is currently no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Health experts say the absence of readily accessible treatment options makes early detection, rapid isolation and public awareness critical to preventing widespread transmission.
Abayomi, who emphasised that prevention remains the strongest line of defence against the disease, said: “Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools”.
He noted that public understanding of how Ebola spreads is vital in combating misinformation and panic, warning that fear and stigma can undermine disease-control efforts.
The commissioner clarified that Ebola is not spread through casual social interactions but through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already showing symptoms.
He urged residents to rely on verified information from health authorities and avoid circulating unconfirmed reports capable of creating unnecessary alarm.
As Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and one of Africa’s busiest transport hubs, Lagos remains particularly vulnerable to imported infectious diseases due to its extensive international air, land and maritime connections.
To address this risk, Abayomi disclosed that the state government is working closely with federal health agencies, border authorities, aviation officials and maritime operators to strengthen disease surveillance and screening measures at all entry points into the state.
The government is also expanding public health education across communities, schools, workplaces and religious centres as part of efforts to ensure that residents are equipped with accurate information on Ebola prevention and response.
Under the Operation Lagos BioShield campaign, health officials will intensify awareness programmes focusing on symptoms, transmission patterns, reporting procedures and protective measures for individuals and families.
Residents who recently travelled from affected countries and develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to immediately contact emergency health authorities rather than self-medicate or conceal their condition.
The Ministry of Health urged members of the public to use emergency lines 112 and 767 or contact the State Epidemiologist for immediate assistance if any suspected case is identified.
The campaign has also revived memories of Lagos’ globally acclaimed response to the Ebola outbreak of 2014, when health authorities successfully contained the virus after it entered Nigeria through an infected traveller.
That intervention, which earned international recognition, was credited with preventing a major public health disaster in one of Africa’s largest cities.
Drawing confidence from that experience, Abayomi said Lagos possesses the expertise, infrastructure and emergency response capabilities needed to confront any future threat.
“Through strong leadership, effective surveillance, rapid response and the collective efforts of healthcare workers and residents, our state successfully contained Ebola and protected millions of lives,” he said.
“Today, we remain prepared, vigilant and committed to safeguarding the health of every Lagosian. Together, we will keep Lagos safe.”