The government of Borno State has established a Rapid Response Team to better prepare for the possibility of an Ebola epidemic in the state.
The Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health and Human Services revealed the action during a chat with journalists on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
The team, comprised of seasoned public health professionals, is tasked with quickly detecting, investigating, and containing disease outbreaks and other health emergencies, according to the Director.
According to him, the government has set aside two medical centers to handle suspected cases of Ebola as part of their preparation efforts.
In order to educate the people about Ebola prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious cases early, he added that the government will create and distribute information, education, and communication tools.
The director added that in order to ensure effective outbreak management, the team will also coordinate with other public health authorities, health institutes, and local governments.
“The preparedness plan covers provision of adequate Personal Protective Equipment, safe evacuation of suspected cases, proper waste disposal and protection of frontline health workers” , he pointed out.
He went on to say that medical professionals at both public and private hospitals will get training to recognise symptoms of a possible infection, properly segregate patients, and notify the proper authorities without delay.
He mentioned that in order to catch potential imported cases early, surveillance has been stepped up throughout key travel routes, border areas, and other heavily populated places.
Residents are advised by the Director to seek verified information, avoid stigmatising suspected cases, and to avoid spreading rumours. The state will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners to ensure operational readiness.
People travel and trade extensively across the international boundaries shared by Borno State, Niger, Cameroon, and the Chad Republic.