Kwara Ebola preparedness efforts intensify as the state strengthens surveillance, border screening and emergency response systems

The Kwara State Government has intensified its Ebola preparedness measures by strengthening surveillance and response systems through a sensitisation programme for point-of-entry officials and key public health stakeholders.

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The initiative, organised by the State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, brought together Port Health Officers, Immigration Officers, representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat.

Speaking at the sensitisation meeting in Ilorin, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preventing the importation and spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases.

“The Kwara State Government is committed to ensuring that Ebola and other infectious diseases do not find their way into our state,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration among relevant agencies and improve the state’s early warning and emergency response mechanisms.

“This engagement is designed to strengthen coordination among all stakeholders and improve our early warning and response systems,” he added.

According to Abdullahi, discussions focused on clearly defining the responsibilities of participating agencies in disease surveillance, detection and case management to ensure swift action whenever a suspected case emerges.

“We have clarified the roles of every stakeholder to ensure suspected cases are quickly detected, properly reported and referred without delay,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols, urging all frontline personnel to remain vigilant.

The permanent secretary noted that the programme provided an opportunity to assess existing systems, identify gaps and strengthen operational readiness across the state.

As part of the preparedness measures, the Ministry of Health distributed personal protective equipment to Port Health Officers to support safe and effective field operations.

“We have supported our Port Health Officers with essential protective equipment to ensure they carry out their duties safely and effectively,” Abdullahi stated.

In a presentation during the meeting, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Khadeejah Kamaldeen, described Port Health Officers as critical frontline personnel in preventing the spread of infectious diseases across borders.

“Port Health Officers play a critical role in the early detection of ill travellers, crew members, animals and contaminated goods that may pose health risks,” she said.

Kamaldeen explained that the officers are responsible for implementing isolation, quarantine and movement restriction measures where necessary to prevent further transmission of infectious diseases.

She also highlighted the importance of prompt reporting to health authorities at state, national and international levels to strengthen surveillance and outbreak response efforts.

“Prompt reporting to state and national public health authorities, and where necessary to the WHO, is essential for effective surveillance,” she noted.

According to her, Port Health Officers serve as a crucial link between airports, border authorities, laboratories, veterinary services and public health institutions.

Also speaking, the State Health Promotion Officer, Mallam Jubril Abdulkarim, said the sensitisation programme was aimed at improving public awareness and strengthening the state’s capacity for early detection and rapid response.

“The objective of this programme is to improve awareness about Ebola and strengthen surveillance and early detection systems,” Abdulkarim said.

He added that the initiative also focuses on infection prevention measures, risk communication strategies, community engagement and cross-border preparedness.

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Health officials said the strengthened Kwara Ebola Preparedness strategy reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining a high level of readiness against potential outbreaks through coordinated action, effective surveillance and timely reporting mechanisms.