— Calls for emergency preparedness in schools, hospitals
By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah, has called on the Federal Government and relevant health authorities to strengthen Ebola prevention, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness in schools, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, made the call in a statement following deliberations on a motion by the Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Amobi Ogah, seeking stronger preventive and emergency medical measures against the disease.
The lawmaker urged Nigerians to remain calm, avoid panic and cooperate with public health authorities by observing recommended precautionary measures.
He stressed the need for comprehensive preventive measures in primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, primary healthcare centres and general hospitals to minimise the risk of transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
Ogah also urged Nigerians to adhere strictly to official health advisories and rely on verified information from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He called on federal and state health authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing, contact tracing and rapid emergency response mechanisms.
According to him, sustained public awareness, adequate infection-prevention supplies, well-equipped healthcare facilities, trained health workers and sufficient funding are critical to effective disease containment.
The lawmaker further urged the Federal Government to mobilise public and private healthcare institutions and ensure the timely release of outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to improve their preparedness and response capacity.
He warned that delays in identifying suspected cases, isolating infected persons and tracing contacts could undermine containment efforts and increase public health risks.
Ogah said proactive prevention, coordinated action by relevant institutions and responsible public cooperation were essential to protecting lives and preventing a potential Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.
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