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Tag: Ebola

  • Suspected Ebola case in Abuja tests negative – FCTA

    Suspected Ebola case in Abuja tests negative – FCTA

    • No case of Ebola in Abuja, says FCTA
    • Tests negative – FCTA

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Friday, established that the suspected Ebola case reported in the nation’s capital has tested negative.

     FCTA urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

     Speaking to journalists, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, explained that the suspected case, identified only as Patient X for confidentiality, was immediately reported after showing symptoms of fever and unexplained bleeding upon returning from Rwanda.

     According to the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lukman Lawal, the case triggered an immediate activation of the Emergency Operations System in line with World Health Organization (WHO), national, and FCT protocols.

     Lawal said contact tracing, sample collection, and laboratory testing were conducted without delay and results from the National Reference Laboratory returned negative within six hours.

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     Dr. Fasawe commended the patient for seeking medical attention immediately, the private facility that raised the alert at Nisa Premier Hospital, for maintaining a high index of suspicion, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), for its swift collaboration with the FCT health authorities.

     She said; “This incident shows that our surveillance system is active and alert. Every fever is not malaria. Every fever is not Ebola. What matters is early reporting and strict adherence to protocol”.

     Fasawe said that while Nigeria currently has no recorded Ebola cases, the vigilance remains high because of outbreaks in neighboring countries.

     According to the mandate secretary; “The FCT Administration has already conducted two Ebola-related investigations this year, both of which returned negative”.

     Dr. Fasawe also warned against misinformation and panic, calling on the media to verify information before publication. She reminded the public that stigmatising patients only worsens health crises.

     She further urged Nigerians to make use of the toll-free line 6232 and other official NCDC platforms for reporting suspected cases of infectious diseases, adding that “the vigilance of one clinician can save a nation.”

     “Diseases do not know borders. With air travel, anyone can move from an endemic country to Nigeria within hours. That is why surveillance at our borders and within our communities is critical,” she said.

     The suspected patient, the administration said, is currently responding well to treatment for other conditions and is expected to be discharged soon.

     She urged journalists to always verify information before passing it to the general public to avoid panic.

     On the strike called off by the FCT doctors, Fasawe commended them for calling off the strike and also hailed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for approving all their requests.

     She pleaded for patience to allow due process while the order is implemented as soon as possible.

  • ‘No case of Ebola in FCT’

    ‘No case of Ebola in FCT’

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday established that the suspected Ebola case reported in the nation’s capital has tested negative.

    FCTA urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

    Speaking while briefing journalists, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, explained that the suspected case was identified only as Patient X for confidentiality.

    Fasawe said it was immediately reported after showing symptoms of fever and unexplained bleeding upon returning from Rwanda.

    According to the FCT Epidemiologist, Dr Lukman Lawal, the case triggered an immediate activation of the Emergency Operations System in line with World Health Organization, WHO, National, and FCT protocols.

    Lawal said contact tracing, sample collection, and laboratory testing were conducted without delay and results from the National Reference Laboratory returned negative within six hours.

    Fasawe commended the patient for seeking medical attention immediately, the private facility that raised the alert at Nisa Premier Hospital, for maintaining a high index of suspicion, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), for its swift collaboration with the FCT health authorities.

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    She said: “This incident shows that our surveillance system is active and alert. Every fever is not malaria. Every fever is not Ebola. What matters is early reporting and strict adherence to protocol”.

    Fasawe said that while Nigeria has no recorded Ebola cases, the vigilance remains high because of outbreaks in neighboring countries.

    According to the mandate secretary: “The FCT Administration has already conducted two Ebola-related investigations this year, both of which returned negative”.

    Fasawe also warned against misinformation and panic, calling on the media to verify information before publication. She reminded the public that stigmatizing patients only worsens health crises.

    She further urged Nigerians to make use of the toll-free line 6232 and other official NCDC platforms for reporting suspected cases of infectious diseases, adding that “the vigilance of one clinician can save a nation.”

    “Diseases do not know borders. With air travel, anyone can move from an endemic country to Nigeria within hours. That is why surveillance at our borders and within our communities is critical,” she said.

    The suspected patient, the administration said, is currently responding well to treatment for other conditions and is expected to be discharged soon.

    She urged journalists to always verify information before passing it to the general public to avoid panic.

    On the strike called off by the FCT doctors, Fasawe commended them for calling off the strike and also hailed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for approving all their requests.

    She pleaded for patience to allow due process while the order is implemented as soon as possible.

  • Ebola: NCDC allays fears over suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases in Abuja

    Ebola: NCDC allays fears over suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases in Abuja

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that there is no outbreak of Ebola or Marburg virus in the country, following investigations into two suspected viral hemorrhagic fever cases recently reported in Abuja.

    In a statement on Friday, NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, confirmed that both cases tested negative for Ebola and Marburg, with samples now undergoing screening for other viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Lassa fever and dengue.

    He said the most recent case involved a traveller who returned from Kigali and immediately reported to a hospital in Abuja after falling ill.

    According to Idris, who revealed that the NCDC has conducted a dynamic risk assessment in response to reports of Ebola in other African countries, Nigeria has stepped up surveillance at points of entry, placed isolation and treatment facilities on alert, and pre-positioned infection prevention and case management supplies.

    Furthermore, he said laboratories remain on standby for rapid testing, while response teams are ready to launch contact tracing if needed.

    Beyond immediate measures, he said, the agency is working with states and partners to upgrade isolation facilities, strengthen infection-prevention training for healthcare workers, conduct simulation exercises, and ensure access to medical countermeasures such as vaccines and therapeutics if required.

    The NCDC boss also urged State governments to provide adequate support to surveillance officers, ensure isolation centres remain functional, and strengthen rapid-response capacity.

    Healthcare workers across public and private facilities, he added, must remain vigilant, apply strict infection-control measures, and report suspicious cases without delay.

    Private hospitals, Idris noted, play a crucial role in early detection and must be fully integrated into national surveillance and preparedness structures.

    Read Also: Nigeria boosts Ebola alert as outbreak hits DRC

    Idris praised the patient’s swift action, describing it as exemplary, saying, “His decision to seek care early, combined with the vigilance of the attending clinician and hospital team, ensured our public health system was promptly activated and the risk to the public minimized.

    “This responsible action is commendable and a practice all Nigerians are urged to emulate,” he said.

    He commended the clinicians and staff at Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, for raising suspicion and reporting the case, which triggered a rapid national response.

    He also acknowledged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) epidemiology and response teams, Port Health Services, the National Reference Laboratory, and partners in immigration and aviation whose swift coordination demonstrated Nigeria’s preparedness.

    The DG explained that Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, remains one of the deadliest viral illnesses, with a fatality rate ranging from 25 to 90 percent.

    He said transmission occurs through contact with infected animals such as fruit bats and monkeys, or through exposure to bodily fluids of infected persons, while warning that health workers, caregivers, and mourners in close contact with deceased patients are particularly at risk.

    Symptoms usually appear between two and 21 days after infection, often starting with sudden fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, he noted.

    In addition, he said severe cases may involve vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, and, in fatal outcomes, death within 8–9 days.

    Idris stressed that while vaccines and therapeutics exist for some strains, early detection, isolation, and supportive care remain the most effective ways to save lives.

    He also advised that infection-control measures, safe burials, and contact tracing are equally vital to stopping transmission.

    He urged Nigerians to adopt preventive practices, including frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with people showing unexplained symptoms, limiting interaction with wild animals, and ensuring meat is properly cooked.

    The public, he added, should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear, especially after travel to affected areas.

    The agency also cautioned against rumours and misinformation, warning that false reports fuel panic, stigma, and resistance to care, while urging citizens to rely on official updates from NCDC and government channels.

    “These recent events are a reminder that the vigilance of one clinician, the responsibility of one patient, and the cooperation of all stakeholders can protect millions,” Idris said.

    For assistance or to report suspected cases, the agency urged the public to call the NCDC toll-free line 6232, use WhatsApp (+234 708 711 0839), SMS (+234 809 955 5577), or email [info@ncdc.gov.ng](mailto:info@ncdc.gov.ng).

  • Nigeria boosts Ebola alert as outbreak hits DRC

    Nigeria boosts Ebola alert as outbreak hits DRC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) yesterday said  there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.

    This statement comes amid reports of a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, said in a public health advisory issued yesterday in Abuja that Nigeria was on high alert, enhancing surveillance at entry points, healthcare facilities, and communities.

    According to Idris, there are currently no cases of Ebola in Nigeria, but preparedness has been intensified with infection control, border checks, and community risk communication to prevent importation and transmission.

    He noted the DRC activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a rapid response team, receiving support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to contain the outbreak effectively.

    Idris said the Ebola Zaire strain identified had an approved vaccine, Ervebo, which had been proven effective in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations in affected regions.

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    To protect Nigerians, he urged frequent handwashing with soap and water as regular hygiene, a key preventive measure to reduce transmission risk from contact with infected surfaces or individuals.

    He advised avoiding physical contact with anyone showing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or unexplained bleeding, which were common signs of Ebola infection and warranted immediate medical attention.

    Idris warned against consuming raw or undercooked bushmeat and cautioned against contact with fruit bats, monkeys, and apes, which were known reservoirs for the Ebola virus in wildlife.

    He encouraged Nigerians to report suspected Ebola cases or unusual illnesses, especially among those with recent travel to affected areas, by calling the NCDC toll-free line 6232 for prompt response.

    Healthcare workers were advised to maintain a high index of suspicion, strictly follow infection prevention protocols, and report any suspected cases immediately to aid rapid containment and treatment efforts.

    Idris further issued travel advice, urging Nigerians to avoid all but essential trips to countries currently experiencing Ebola outbreaks to minimise the risk of exposure and disease importation.

    He assured the public that NCDC would provide timely updates while collaborating with international partners to monitor the evolving situation in the DRC and other affected African regions.

  • Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak

    Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak

    Nigerians have been advised to avoid all but essential trips to Uganda and other countries with confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases.

    The advisory followed the January 30 confirmation of the outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola virus in Wakiso, Mukono and Mbale City by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.

    “Ugandan health authorities are currently tracking 44 contacts to curb further spread,” Idris said.

    Swinging into action, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris said the agency was reinforcing surveillance at entry points, updating emergency response plans and expanding diagnostic capacity in key laboratories.

    He however clarified that Nigeria has no recorded cases.

    He disclosed that in response to the development, the NCDC has: “Updated its EVD emergency contingency plan. Increased screening at points of entry, particularly international airports.

    “Optimised diagnostic capacity for EVD testing in designated laboratories and mobilised Lassa fever testing laboratories, which can be scaled up for Ebola testing if needed.”

    Read Also: Ebola virus: NCDC cautions limited travel to Uganda, other affected regions

    The director Director general of NCDC assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.

    “While there is no immediate cause for panic, we must remain vigilant. The Ebola Sudan strain has no approved vaccine, making early detection and containment critical,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures:” Practice good hand hygiene – wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.

    “Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.

    “Refrain from consuming bush meat, especially bats and primates.

    “Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”

    Additionally, he advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.

    In the travel advisory yesterday, Dr. Idris noted that while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not imposed travel restrictions on Uganda, anyone returning from affected areas within the last 21 days who develops fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding should immediately call 6232 or their state health hotline for assessment.

    He advised such travellers to self-isolate and await response teams for further evaluation and possible transport to a treatment center.

    The NCDC boss said the public health advisory became necessary because EVD has a 25-90% fatality rate and spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, and wild animals like bats, chimpanzees, and monkeys.

    Besides, he stressed that while vaccines exist for some strains of the Ebola virus, the approved vaccine for the Zaire strain is not currently available in Nigeria and does not protect against the Sudan strain responsible for the outbreak in Uganda.

    Given this, he urged Nigerians to practice good hygiene, avoid bush meat and report symptoms immediately to prevent potential outbreaks.

    He also advised healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, enforce strict isolation for suspected cases, adhere to infection control protocols, and report immediately to health authorities.

    Beyond Ebola, Idris said that the country is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles and anthrax.

    Idris assured that the NCDC will continue to enhance surveillance, expand diagnostic capacity, and coordinate with global health organisations.

  • Doctor flays AU’s, Fed Govt’s ill-treatment  of health workers who fought Ebola

    A doctor, Omen Ikorobia, who helped in the fight against Ebola scourge in Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, has taken to his Twitter handle to flay the African Union (AU) and the Federal Government for not honouring medical workers who fought the disease four years ago.

    The medic regretted that Dr Stella Adadevoh was not recognised for the role she played in stopping Liberian diplomat, Patrick Oliver Sawyer, from leaving the hospital and spreading the disease in Lagos.

    He dedicated the medal of honour he received from the AU without ceremony to those who died fighting the disease.

    In the tweet, which got over 6,500 likes and 3,700 retweets, Ikorobia said: “Four years later, African Union has remembered to present me and my colleagues with Medal of Honour for stopping Ebola in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

    “I dedicate this to Dr Stella A. Adedevoh and Justina Ejelonu. You guys are the real heroes; you died for us all.

    “Adadevoh stopped Sawyer. He made calls; she also made calls, pulling the right strings to stop him from plunging into the population and spreading the deadly virus.

    “She contracted Ebola in the process and died a most painful death. It was like self-sacrifice. She had organ failures, kidney shutdown, multiple seizures and strokes, profuse bleeding, heart failure and later on death. She died for Nigeria.

    “Adadevoh has not been properly honoured by her country whereas every year politicians troop into Abuja to share national honours for doing practically nothing, whereas real heroes are ignored.

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    “Nurse Justina Ejelonu worked with Stella and contracted the disease in the line of duty. She died without doing anything for herself or her family. No one remembers her.

    “We arrived Abuja after six months of risking our lives in West Africa to stop the menace few days after Dr Goodluck Jonathan had lost the presidential election in 2015. No one paid any attention to us any longer. All the initial plans to honour us were thrown out of the window.

    “The new government took no interest whatsoever, and till today, not even a handshake from a local government chairman, not to talk of monetary anything.

    “Politicians share billions each time they are leaving office after mindless self-help to the national purse. Yet, those who worked for the nation are never rewarded. This government has not as much as said a word to us, much less of recognising our contributions.

    “The day we arrived Sierra Leone, everyone was happy; they said we were from Nigeria and we had the magic. They sent us to worse hit areas and we went to duty patriotically. We did our best and Ebola stopped. The country took the whole accolade without even saying a word to us.

    “The African Union has casually tossed medals to us without any ceremony. I went to PH to pick up my piece from a junior staff of the state ministry of health who asked me to sign off on a piece of paper and be gone.

    “There were only two persons in the room. Nobody bothered with me. It was even the staff who told me that some people who picked up the medal earlier had tested it and that it was not even real gold so is probably worthless.

    “I spent my money and time to pick a piece of garbage after risking my life for Africa. I felt like a fool while leaving dejectedly.

    “This reminds me my experience in the field. An American passed out while we were on duty and I helped to resuscitate him. He was later diagnosed of Ebola and I quarantined myself. Few days later I developed fever and noticed blood in my toilet.

    “I asked my colleagues to send a letter to African Union that I may have contracted the deadly disease. Till today I never got any response. I stayed in self quarantine for 21 days without a word from Africa that I was fighting for.

    “My contemporary was airlifted to USA in a matter of moments but I survived by the grace of God or sheer luck. Never spoken to. Never tested. Never nothing. Being African is shitty. I don’t know if am a survivor or not. I just know that my life is worth nothing.

    “I dedicate this medal, though probably worthless to healthcare workers from Africa who died for their continent but were never appreciated or even recognised.

    “I live in hope that one day our land shall experience the kind of leadership that would value those who sacrifice for her and reward those who make genuine efforts.

    “For now, am just in severe pains

     

  • Ebola: ‘How Jonathan was stopped from recognizing late Stella’

    Former minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has revealed how the plan by former President, Goodluck Jonathan to immortalized late Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, the medical doctor who died in the efforts at containing the spread of Ebola in the country was bungled.

    Chukwu noted that the former president had planned a national broadcast to announce her and some people as national hero but was advised against the move by some people.

    He however promised to reveal those behind the plot in his book.

    The former minister spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the Public Lecture and Awards Organised by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

    The event has as its theme “Politics and Health: Implications of the nexus to the Nigerian citizen.

    The former minister who was the chairman of the occasion said: “At a time, I know how many hours I spent on the phone and on laptop  in 2014 with Dr. Ruben Abati, who you know was the chief Spokesperson of Mr. President Jonathan.

    “the president gave us a task that the two of us should draft the speech he was going to make, very important speech just about the time that it was declared that there was no more Ebola in Nigeria and the president was to make an important address to the nation.

    “Indeed what the president (Jonathan) wanted was to make some people national heroes. Of course Dr. Adadevoh was one of those to be announced as national hero. But after we spent four hours on our laptops myself and Dr. Abati and hoping that this will finally get to be mentioned, it didn’t get out”.

    “And of course I picked it up with Mr. President on why he would allowed us to work for four hours to prepare his speech and it didn’t come out in his final work and he told me it is politics”.

    “There are people who told Mr. President that this woman cannot be a national hero. Yes but sometimes people just write. Let me tell you it is part of what the guest speaker is going to tell us today on how health mix with politics.”

    “So when someone becomes Mr. President, pity him because he does not take all the decisions but receives blames for what he did not say.”

    He however assured that he will expose those who were against announcing Adadevoh as a national hero in his book.

    Speaking on politics and health, he said even at the World Health Organisation politics goes on.

    “Let me just say that health will always be part of politics and politics part of Health. Ministers’ are politicians,” he added.

    In his earlier welcome address, Prof. Ngim Ngim MDCAN president said the honour to Adadevoh was deliberate as she was yet to get the recognition that she deserved.

    He said, “The honour on late Stella was a deliberate decision as we believe that not enough have been done to appreciate her sacrifice and to immortalised her.”

    Ngim therefore called on the government to take steps to immortalised Stella.

    He also urged medical practitioners to play active role in the politics, stressing that there is no way the practice will address the health challenges without playing politics.

    In his lecture, Prof. Akin Osibogun was of the opinion that the contribution of MDCAN may yet set the tone for the expected national debates ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    He also urged medical doctors to be active player in what is happening in the country and not allow themselves to be shut out if they intend to address the chronic health challenges in the country.

     

  • Ebola: Ambode, Payette inaugurate $4.5m biobank to tackle infectious diseases

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Canadian Governor-General Julie Payette yesterday inaugurated a $4.5 million biobank, which is designed to diagnose and manage Ebola, Lassa fever and outbreak of other infectious disease.

    Ambode and Payette, while inaugurating the biological containment laboratory, tagged: “Lagos State Biobank (LSB)”, at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, argued that with the population of Lagos, outbreak of any infectious disease, including Ebola, could spell doom, if not well curtailed.

    Ambode explained that the fund expended on the project, which began in 2016, was provided by both governments to boost prevention of public infectious diseases.

    He said the Canadian government was responsible for the project’s design and construction. The state, Ambode added, funded the community engagement, training of personnel, maintenance and environmental impact assessment for the facility.

    The governor described the partnership as an effective collaboration, which the state government was very proud that the Canadian government led in part.

    “Lagos is excited over the project. It is a perfect example by forward-looking governments through partnership.”

    On the facility, the governor stated that the biobank was designed for the management and control of infectious disease.

    “It will help to promote and diagnose public health diseases and boost clinical management of infectious disease outbreak in Lagos,” Ambode said.

    He added that the Lagos State Biobank would help Fast-track global and local research on infectious diseases.

    “It will help to launch the state into a new frontier in research and development in various areas of need, especially in the diagnostic kits and production of vaccines for containment of infectious disease,” he added.

    On reason the Canadian government chose Lagos, Payette stressed that the achievement recorded by the state in 2014 tackling Ebola virus was responsible for the partnership on the project.

    “And Canada is very glad to have filled that gap with this laboratory and Bio-bank. We will continue to collaborate with you,” she said.

    She noted that the facility would assist to “prevent, detect and respond to about the worst calamities possible outcome that could happen”.

    “The incidence of infectious disease, if not contained, could do so much damage and could ravage so many lives.

    “It is not important, it is absolutely essential to have a facility like this to make sure that never happens.

    “As serious as the outbreak of Ebola was here in Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa, it could not have been much worse,” Payette added.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris hinted that the facility was one of the recommendations made by the committee inaugurated by the former Governor Babatunde Fashola, after the state was declared Ebola free in October 2014.

    Representative of Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr. Adebayo Adeniji said Ebola virus outbreak made the Federal Government realise the importance of collaboration with other countries on disease control.

  • Ebola: Ambode, Canadian governor-general to open laboratory

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Canadian Governor-General Hon. Julie Payette will tomorrow inaugurate a biosecurity laboratory in Lagos.

    A statement yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Habib Aruna, said the biobank was located at the Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

    It was where the isolation unit used by the government to contain the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak was located.

    According to the statement, the laboratory, funded by Canada in partnership with the state government, would serve as a repository for high-concentration pathogens.

    “It will also help the state mitigate post-EVD threats and build capacity for prevention, detection and response to future outbreaks in Nigeria and West Africa.

    The statement said Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris would be part of the delegation to accompany Governor Ambode to receive Hon. Payette at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and unveil the new facility.

    According to the statement, after the inauguration, the governor-general would visit students participating in the CodeLagos computer literacy programme.

    “Her Excellency will visit Akande Dahunsi Memorial Senior High School to interact with students taking part in the CodeLagos programme and talk to them about her background in informatics. Members of the Canadian delegation will give presentations on their experience and career in other classrooms,” the statement said.

    The CodeLagos programme running in public and private schools is an initiative of the Ministry of Education aimed at educating over one million residents for the future of work – by teaching how to write code and creatively solve problems.

    The statement added that the visitor would have a lunch discussion with members of the Lagos business community, where she would deliver brief opening remarks, which would bring the business community together.

    It said she would conclude her visit with a reception for Arts and Culture Friends of Canada.

    The statement said the reception would enable her meet individuals, who have made and continued to make exceptional efforts in promoting and enhancing the Canada-Nigeria relationship, adding that it would provide an opportunity to celebrate the vitality of the arts and culture scene in Lagos.

  • UNICEF prepares DRC school children for Ebola response

    The UN Children’s Fund ( UNICEF ) said more than 82,500 children are being prepared for the new school year in Ebola-affected areas of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    UNICEF said it was scaling up education, health and water, sanitation and hygiene programmes to assist the schools to provide a protective learning environment for children and their teachers.

    The Government of the DRC recently made the decision to proceed as planned with the start of the school year in the affected provinces of North-Kivu and Ituri, where some 250 schools are listed as being in Ebola-affected health zones.

    “Education is a right for every child and essential for children to develop to their full potential.

    “Especially in times of crisis such as an Ebola outbreak, schools are vital for children to find stability, learn prevention measures and receive psychosocial support.

    “Every effort must go into ensuring a smooth and safe start to the new school year,” said Dr Gianfranco Rotigliano, UNICEF Representative in the DRC following his visit to Mangina, the epicentre of the Ebola-epidemic.

    School principals and teachers would receive training on Ebola prevention and protection, and how to educate children on good hygiene practices to avoid the spread of the virus.

    To ensure schools in the affected health zones are well prepared for early detection and response, UNICEF is distributing health and WASH supplies including laser thermometers, hand washing units and megaphones and prevention posters to each of the 250 schools.

    UNICEF and partners are working to train school principals and more than 1,750 teachers in the affected health zones about Ebola and protection measures against the virus.

    They are also organising prevention communication activities for parents committees and local authorities on prevention measures in every concerned school.

    They prepare teachers to sensitise all children at the beginning of the school year on good hygiene practices to contain the spread of the virus, and distribute 500 laser thermometers – two in each school – to monitor the health situation of children.

    UNICEF and partners are also installing 1,500 hand washing units – six in each school – to promote hand washing and hygiene, as well as distribute megaphones and prevention posters in every school.