Ebola: Prof. Ugwu calls for restructuring, capacity building of staff at point of entry
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has called for restructuring and capacity building of staff at international points of entry to further strengthen the prevention protocols against Ebola virus.
Ugwu, who is also a member of the Presidential Committee on the Prevention and Preparedness Against Ebola, made the call on Friday during the
Enugu State Ebola Emergency Response Preparedness Committee meeting in Enugu.
The meeting, chaired by the commissioner, focused on assessing the level of preparedness and addressing challenges/gaps at the point of entry and other preparedness response pillars/teams.
The commissioner noted that there was a need for further restructuring and capacity building, particularly in passenger contact management and other operational areas to ensure a more effective response system.
Ugwu acknowledged the significant improvements recorded at the point of entry from the last assessment of the committee.
According to him, various interventions have enhanced preparedness, however, some steps needed to be taken and existing ones strengthened to ensure holistic target.
Ugwu stressed that every individual, unit or department at the point of entry must clearly understand their roles and expected contributions, as effective coordination remained key to a successful emergency response.
The commissioner commended the efforts of the risk communication pillar of the response committee, but charged the team to intensify awareness campaigns.
He stressed that health messages on the Ebola virus and other diseases of public concern should reach every segment of the population, including churches and communities across the state.
Ugwu reiterated the commitment of the state government led by Gov. Peter Mbah to strengthen the state’s preparedness through continuous monitoring, improved coordination and capacity development of all response teams.
He urged all stakeholders to remain proactive, ensuring that identified gaps are promptly addressed to safeguard the health of residents and maintain a resilient public health system in the state.
During the meeting updates were presented by the different pillars/teams of the state committee, including surveillance, risk communication, and other emergency response teams.
Some of the state health partners – World Health Organisation (WHO), Corona Management System and Jhpiego – were in attendance and pledged to support the Ebola Prevention and Preparedness Committee of the state.
It would be recalled that Enugu State has been designated “state with high risk of importation of Ebola virus” due to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, that receives international visitors.
Ebola virus has been reported and being contained by WHO in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda within Africa.