By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Enugu State Government has urged residents to avoid self-medication and promptly report anyone showing signs of illness to health facilities as part of measures to prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu following the inauguration and activation of the Enugu State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

The activation of the centre forms part of proactive measures by the state government to prevent the importation and spread of Ebola following the outbreak reported in Uganda.

Ugwu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents through strengthened surveillance, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms against potential public health threats.

He said that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had classified Enugu as a high-risk state for possible Ebola importation because of the presence of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

According to the commissioner, the state cannot afford complacency and must remain vigilant to ensure early detection and effective response to any suspected Ebola case.

“As part of its preparedness strategy, the government has designated a dedicated isolation facility to manage any suspected Ebola case that may be identified in the state.”

Ugwu said surveillance activities had been intensified at all points of entry, particularly the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, where health officials were collaborating with stakeholders to monitor travellers.

He explained that the monitoring process was aimed at promptly identifying potential health risks and preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the state.

The commissioner also said that the government had scaled up risk communication and public awareness campaigns to educate residents on Ebola prevention and response measures.

According to him, the Ministry of Health will engage communities, healthcare workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to disseminate accurate information on Ebola symptoms and reporting procedures.

He urged residents to maintain proper hygiene practices and immediately report any suspected symptoms to health authorities for prompt assessment and necessary medical intervention.

The World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Dr Adaeze Ugwu, commended the state government for its timely intervention and strong preparedness measures against potential Ebola threats.

Ugwu expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the Emergency Operations Centre, surveillance teams, healthcare facilities and residents would strengthen the state’s readiness and response capacity.

She said that the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre in advisory mode represented another significant step in Enugu State’s proactive framework for public health emergency management. (NAN)