The Delta State Government has intensified measures to prevent a possible Ebola outbreak, with the Ministry of Health reviewing its disease surveillance systems and emergency response plans across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a meeting with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, directors and staff of the Epidemiology Unit.
The meeting assessed existing disease surveillance mechanisms, emergency response strategies and the availability of resources required to contain a possible outbreak across the state’s 25 local government areas.
Onojaeme stressed the need for heightened vigilance among health officials, particularly in the early detection, identification and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
He said effective surveillance, early detection and a coordinated response remained critical to the state’s preparedness against infectious diseases.
The commissioner directed the Epidemiology Unit to strengthen disease monitoring at entry points, healthcare facilities and within communities to ensure that unusual health developments were promptly reported and investigated.
He also emphasised the need for regular training of frontline health workers to improve their capacity to identify and manage suspected cases in line with established public health procedures.
According to him, the ministry is intensifying public awareness campaigns while strengthening designated facilities to ensure adequate preparedness for emergency health situations.
Onojaeme added that the government would continue to provide personal protective equipment, testing kits and other essential supplies to support healthcare workers and emergency response teams.
He urged residents to maintain good hygiene, comply with public health advisories and promptly report suspected symptoms to the appropriate health authorities.
The commissioner noted that effective collaboration between the government, healthcare professionals and residents was essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting communities across Delta State.
