By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has pledged biosafety support to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) following the reported confirmation of an imported Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The agency made the commitment to strengthen containment and infection prevention efforts while urging Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant.
NBMA Assures Nigerians of Support
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBMA, Dr Fatima Suleiman-Zuntu, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Nigeria’s Ebola response.
She said NBMA would provide its biosafety and biosecurity expertise to support the NCDC and other relevant response teams.
Furthermore, Suleiman-Zuntu commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NCDC, the FCT Health Services Secretariat, and their partners.
She praised their efforts to manage the situation and strengthen public health protection.
Nigeria’s Ebola Preparedness
Suleiman-Zuntu noted that Nigeria’s successful Ebola containment efforts in 2014 demonstrated the importance of preparedness and coordinated action.
She stressed that scientific evidence and public cooperation remain essential to controlling infectious disease outbreaks.
Consequently, NBMA stands ready to deploy its biosafety experts to support ongoing containment and infection prevention measures.
NBMA Issues Ebola Safety Guidelines
Meanwhile, the agency urged Nigerians to follow official health advisories and maintain proper hygiene.
It also advised the public to avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.
In addition, Nigerians should avoid handling the bodies of people suspected to have died from the disease.
Anyone experiencing Ebola-like symptoms should promptly seek guidance from public health authorities.
This advice is particularly important for people who have contacted suspected or confirmed cases or travelled to affected areas.
The agency also urged Nigerians to cooperate with public health officials during contact-tracing activities.
NCDC and NBMA Toll-Free Information Lines
The agency encouraged members of the public to obtain verified information through official channels.
Nigerians can contact the NCDC on 6232 or reach NBMA on 0808 225 4683 for further information.
The agency urged everyone to remain vigilant, follow professional medical guidance, and avoid spreading unverified information.
