Nigeria Strengthens Ebola Response Strategy After Suspected Case

• Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to epidemic preparedness following a suspected Ebola case
• The NCDC convened a national review meeting to assess response efforts and identify critical gaps
• Stakeholders agreed on corrective actions to strengthen readiness for Ebola and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers

On 23 September 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) convened a National Technical Review Meeting aimed at evaluating the country’s response to a recent suspected Ebola case.

The meeting brought together key national and subnational stakeholders in Abuja to assess Nigeria’s readiness for Ebola and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs).

According to the NCDC, the review session focused on three core objectives: “Reviewing the recent suspected Ebola case response,” “Identifying gaps in surveillance, laboratory, IPC, points of entry, coordination, and risk communication,” and “Agreeing on corrective actions to strengthen readiness for Ebola and other Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs).”

Health officials and technical experts reportedly examined the operational challenges encountered during the suspected case response, with particular attention given to surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control (IPC), and coordination mechanisms at points of entry.

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Risk communication strategies were also scrutinised to ensure timely public awareness and accurate information dissemination.

The NCDC stated that the collaborative effort “depicts Nigeria’s commitment to timely detection, rapid response, and stronger national health security.”

Participants at the meeting agreed on a set of corrective actions designed to reinforce the country’s preparedness and response capabilities for future outbreaks.

The review comes amid growing regional concerns over the resurgence of VHFs, including Ebola, which continue to pose significant public health threats across West Africa.

By engaging stakeholders across multiple levels of governance, the NCDC reaffirmed its strategic focus on building a resilient health system capable of managing infectious disease emergencies.

This latest initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader public health agenda to enhance epidemic intelligence, strengthen laboratory networks, and improve emergency coordination frameworks nationwide.

What is NCDC?

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is the national public health institute responsible for leading the country’s preparedness, detection, and response to infectious disease outbreaks.

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Established to strengthen Nigeria’s health security, the NCDC coordinates surveillance, laboratory services, emergency response, and risk communication across federal and state levels. It plays a pivotal role in managing epidemics such as Lassa fever, cholera, and Ebola, while also supporting global health initiatives.

Through strategic partnerships and technical expertise, the NCDC works to build a resilient health system capable of preventing and controlling public health threats nationwide.

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FG gives update on suspected Ebola case

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Friday, September 19, disclosed that two recent suspected cases tested negative for Ebola and Marburg.

According to a statement signed by Dr. Jide Idris, obtained by Legit.ng, further tests for other viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) like Lassa and Dengue are ongoing.

The patient, a 32-year-old man identified by initials O.I., who was presented with fever, bleeding, and other concerning symptoms, was immediately isolated upon arrival at the hospital, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Source: Legit.ng