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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified Ebola surveillance and health safety measures across the nation’s international airports following recent reports of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in parts of Central Africa.
FAAN said the move is aimed at preventing the possible importation of the disease into Nigeria and ensuring the safety of passengers, airport workers and other stakeholders within the aviation sector.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, on Wednesday, the authority disclosed that passenger surveillance and health monitoring have been strengthened in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.
According to the statement, passengers arriving from high-risk regions are currently undergoing additional health screening for symptoms associated with Ebola Virus Disease explaining that any suspected case identified during the screening process would be immediately isolated and subjected to secondary health examinations in line with national and international health safety protocols.
He further added that FAAN has also intensified staff sensitisation programmes, reinforced emergency response procedures and strengthened coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt intervention if necessary.
The authority, however, stated that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, assuring the public that all necessary preventive measures remain in place to safeguard public health and maintain safe airport operations nationwide.
FAAN urged passengers to remain calm, cooperate fully with health screening procedures at airports and promptly report any symptoms or health concerns to designated health officials.
The renewed surveillance measures come amid heightened concerns over the spread of infectious diseases across international borders and increased emphasis on airport health security systems globally.
