Ebola: Tinubu Calls For Preventive Action, Sustainable Healthcare Solutions

President Bola Tinubu has called on medical experts across West Africa to develop practical, sustainable solutions to emerging health challenges, including Ebola, and stressed the need for preventive measures to protect public health.

Tinubu made the call yesterday at the State House, Abuja, after he was conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to address the challenge of medical brain drain across the sub-region, noting that the migration of skilled health professionals continues to put pressure on healthcare systems and to limit access to essential medical services.

“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections,” the President said.

He pledged to continue supporting the medical profession and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms to make healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable, and efficient for Nigerians.

Tinubu also commended the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in driving the administration’s health sector reforms.

“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.

The President acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging health threats.

The WACP conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of what it described as his contributions and commitment to strengthening healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery and improved the health of people across West Africa.

The Secretary-General of the College and spokesperson for the delegation, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the decision to honour Tinubu reflected his administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.

Dankyau said the College had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. He identified former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as the first recipient and former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as the previous Nigerian recipient in 1991.

He said the College had taken note of investments in health infrastructure, improved access to healthcare and emergency services, and initiatives in primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

According to Dankyau, more than $2.2 billion had been invested in the health sector at the last count. He also cited progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.

The College also informed the President of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled to be held from 26 October to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.