Kebbi Strengthens Preparedness Against Ebola
By Khadijat Saidu
Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has intensified measures to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Zaki Abubakar Zaki, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
He said the Ministry, through its Department of Public Health, has strengthened disease surveillance and screening of travellers at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, and at designated land border entry points across the state.
According to him, passengers arriving and departing through the airport are being screened at designated gates to facilitate early detection of suspected cases and identify travellers exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola.
Dr. Zaki further disclosed that similar screening measures have been introduced at three land border entry points in Bagudo, Kamba and Arewa Local Government Areas, as part of efforts to enhance border health surveillance and protect residents from public health threats.
He explained that the measures are designed to ensure prompt identification of suspected cases, timely referral for medical assessment and implementation of appropriate public health interventions to minimise the risk of transmission.
He added that the Ministry has also supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all General Hospitals across the state to strengthen infection prevention and control.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents through proactive disease surveillance, strengthened border screening and effective coordination with relevant health authorities and stakeholders.
It urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant, cooperate with health officials and promptly report any suspected symptoms to appropriate health authorities.