The Delta State Government has intensified efforts to prevent a possible Ebola outbreak, directing health officials to strengthen disease surveillance, improve emergency response readiness and ensure the prompt reporting of suspected cases across the state’s 25 local government areas.
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 to review the state’s level of preparedness against potential public health emergencies.
The meeting focused on assessing existing disease surveillance systems, reviewing emergency response plans and evaluating the availability of essential resources required to contain a possible outbreak.
Onojaeme emphasised the importance of vigilance among health workers, stressing that early detection and immediate reporting of suspected cases were critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
He directed the Epidemiology Unit to intensify disease monitoring at entry points, healthcare facilities and within communities to ensure that unusual health developments were promptly identified, reported and investigated.
The commissioner also called for regular training of frontline health workers to strengthen their capacity to recognise and manage suspected cases in line with established public health procedures.
According to him, the ministry is stepping up public awareness campaigns while strengthening designated health facilities to ensure they are adequately prepared to respond to emergencies.
He added that the state government would continue to provide essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, testing kits and other materials needed to protect health workers and support emergency response operations.
Onojaeme urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, adhere to public health advisories and promptly report symptoms of concern to the appropriate health authorities.
He stressed that effective collaboration between the government, health professionals and residents remained essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding communities across Delta State.
The commissioner reaffirmed the importance of sustained surveillance, public awareness and coordinated emergency planning in strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to potential disease outbreaks.
