Ebola: Enugu Govt, Airport Officials Meet To Tighten Surveillance

Enugu State government and key stakeholders at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, have met to close Ebola surveillance and contact tracing gaps at the international point of entry into the state.

The spokesperson, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs Chidiogo Ugodu, said in a statement yesterday in Enugu, that the meeting was held at the weekend at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The statement noted that the high-level meeting intensified efforts to strengthen preparedness against the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) through the international airport.

It said that the meeting was held between Enugu State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) surveillance team and representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Port Health Services, airport safety officials, and other stakeholders responsible for disease surveillance.

During the meeting, the commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, expressed concern over what he described as inadequate Ebola preparedness measures at the airport in spite of the state’s designation as a high-risk location for disease importation.

Ugwu noted that available reports indicated that the airport had not been actively reporting surveillance activities and proactive Ebola prevention measures to the national health authorities.

The commissioner stressed that the current global health situation requires heightened vigilance and immediate action to safeguard residents of the state.

The commissioner emphasised the unwavering commitment of the current administration in the state led by Gov.  Peter Mbah to protect residents of the state and country at large against the deadly disease.

“There is a  need for stronger collaboration between airport authorities and the health sector, particularly in the areas of passengers’ screening, surveillance, and information sharing,” he said.

The commissioner specifically called for the immediate implementation of health declaration forms for incoming passengers before arrival.

He described the measure as a critical step in early detection and response.

According to him, Port Health Services at the airport must become more proactive and fully aligned with national disease surveillance protocols.

Responding on behalf of the Regional Manager of FAAN, the Terminal Manager, Mr Henry  Emmanuel, acknowledged the concerns raised by the commissioner and admitted that more could be done to strengthen preparedness efforts.

Emmanuel described the EOC visit and meeting as a timely wake-up call, while assuring the delegation that airport management would take the observations seriously.

He further pledged the commitment of FAAN and other stakeholders to work closely with the state Ministry of Health in improving surveillance systems and implementing recommended Ebola preventive measures/protocols.

The statement noted that the meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to enhance coordination, strengthen disease monitoring at the international point of entry, and ensure prompt reporting of public health issues.

“The meeting forms part of Enugu State Government’s broader strategy to maintain a high-level of readiness against Ebola and other emerging infectious diseases, while protecting residents and travelers through robust prevention and response mechanisms,” it added.