Health
Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has called for restructuring and capacity building at international points of entry to strengthen Ebola prevention protocols and enhance emergency response readiness across the state.
Ugwu, a member of the Presidential Committee on Prevention and Preparedness Against Ebola, made the call on Friday during the Enugu State Ebola Emergency Response Preparedness Committee meeting, in Enugu.
The meeting assessed preparedness levels and identified operational gaps at points of entry and across response pillars, with participants reviewing existing measures aimed at preventing possible Ebola virus importation.
Ugwu said improvements recorded since the committee’s last assessment but emphasised the need for further restructuring and staff training, particularly in passenger contact management and other critical operational areas.
According to him, interventions implemented so far have strengthened preparedness, but additional measures and reinforcement of existing systems remain necessary to achieve comprehensive emergency response and prevention objectives.
He emphasised that every individual, unit and department at points of entry must understand their responsibilities, noting that effective coordination remained essential for successful management of public health emergencies.
The commissioner commended the committee’s risk communication pillar for ongoing efforts but urged members to intensify public awareness campaigns to improve understanding of Ebola and other diseases.
He said health messages on Ebola and other diseases of public concern should reach all population groups, including churches, schools, markets and communities across the state effectively.
Ugwu reiterated the commitment of the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah to strengthening preparedness through continuous monitoring, improved coordination and sustained capacity development for all emergency response teams.
He urged stakeholders to remain proactive in addressing identified gaps promptly to safeguard residents’ health and maintain a resilient public health system capable of responding effectively.
Updates were presented by surveillance, risk communication and other emergency response pillars, while partners including the World Health Organization, Corona Management System and Jhpiego pledged continued support.
Enugu is classified as a high-risk state for Ebola importation because of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, while outbreaks reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda remain under containment.(NAN)
Tags: Ebola response Enugu