Ebonyi Health Commissioner Calls For Calm, Vigilance Over Ebola
By Lucy Anyim
The Hon. Commissioner for Health, Ebonyi State, Dr. Moses Ekuma has called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and adhere to preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease.
He made the call on Tuesday, 27th October, 2026 during a press briefing in his office at Block 5, Centenary City, Abakaliki on the ongoing Ebola response in Nigeria.
Dr. Ekuma noted that the confirmation of an Ebola case in another part of the country does not mean the disease has spread to Ebonyi State, assuring that government has taken necessary steps to prevent its introduction.
His words, "We must avoid unnecessary fear, rumours, stigmatisation and spread of unverified information".
He disclosed that the State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), relevant agencies, health institutions, development partners and community leaders has strengthened its preparedness and response capacity.
While outlining proactive measures to prevent and control the disease, he announced that the Ministry has distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health facilities across the State and provided orientation for health workers on recognition and management of suspected cases.
According to him, "We have distributed personal protective equipment to our health facilities. Healthcare workers have also been given orientation. We have also prepared an isolation centre in case of any suspected case. A lot has been done in preparation," he stated.
The Commissioner maintained that the administration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents and has provided necessary facilities and personnel ahead of any emergency.
He added that the Ministry through its surveillance structures and public health emergency coordination mechanisms, will continue to ensure that any suspected case is promptly identified, reported, investigated and managed in line with national guidelines.
He emphasized that public enlightenment will be intensified through radio, television, community engagements and other channels.
The health boss advised residents to observe personal hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and running water or using an alcohol based sanitizer when appropriate and to avoid contact with blood and body fluids of a person suspected of having Ebola, refrain from touching bodies of persons who die from suspected Ebola, and seek prompt medical attention when ill
He directed healthcare workers to reinforce standard precautions, strengthen screening and triage, and ensure safe separation and referral of suspected cases and never manage a suspected case at home
"Symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhea can occur in several illnesses and do not by themselves, confirm Ebola".
"Our message is simple: do not panic, do not spread rumours, do not discriminate and do not ignore public health advice. Stay informed, practice good hygiene and cooperate with health authorities," he clarified.
The Commissioner described the fight against Ebola as a collective responsibility and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions, school administrators and civil society groups to support public health education.
He also urged journalists to disseminate accurate information and avoid sensational reporting, warning that misinformation could undermine containment efforts.
Dr. Ekuma further encouraged residents to access the State's emergency medical and ambulance services for complications in pregnancy, road accidents, snake bites, drowning and other emergencies noting that transportation and treatment within the first 48 hours are free. Emergency lines are 112 and 08127989468.
