LAGOS, Nigeria: The Academy of Medical Sciences, Nigeria issued a public health advisory to the Government of Nigeria on Monday, May 18, 2026, urging the immediate activation of emergency preparedness systems to prevent the transmission of Ebola from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Okay News reports that the advisory was directed to the Federal Ministry of Health, port health services, and domestic hospitals to demand high alert status across all health institutions.
The advisory was signed by the Chairman of the Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, and the Academy President, Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie. The document requested the deployment of rapid screening systems for travelers arriving from affected regions, including dedicated screening lanes, digital travel surveillance systems, temperature checks, exposure history assessments, and emergency isolation units at entry points.
The experts said, “The recent outbreaks in DRC and Uganda present a credible risk of cross-border transmission into Nigeria due to regional mobility, trade and travel.” They requested immediate action from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and state governments to reactivate infectious disease emergency structures and isolation centers.
The experts said, “The recurrence of outbreaks within the African continent underscores the continued vulnerability of all nations to transboundary infectious diseases.” The academy requested that health institutions establish Ebola ready treatment zones and implement strict infection prevention protocols.
The experts said, “Enhance monitoring at international airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers arriving from affected regions.” The advisory concluded with recommendations for protecting healthcare workers. The experts said, “Provide adequate personal protective equipment, infection prevention training and emergency protocols for frontline healthcare personnel.”
