The Oyo State Government has reassured residents of its preparedness to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to any potential outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), emphasizing that all necessary measures have been put in place to protect public health across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the government remains vigilant and is closely monitoring developments regarding Ebola outbreaks reported in some African countries. She noted that although no case of Ebola has been recorded in Oyo State or anywhere in Nigeria, authorities are not taking any chances and have intensified surveillance efforts as a precautionary measure.
According to the commissioner, the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains fully committed to safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of residents, stressing that public health security continues to be one of the government’s top priorities. She explained that proactive planning and preparedness are essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring a rapid response whenever health threats arise.
Ajetunmobi disclosed that disease surveillance activities have been strengthened across all 33 local government areas of the state, with health facilities placed on heightened alert. She added that Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, rapid response teams, laboratory personnel, and other critical health workers have been mobilized and are prepared to act immediately should any suspected case be identified.
She further revealed that the state’s Ebola Technical Working Group has been activated to coordinate preparedness efforts and ensure that all response mechanisms remain functional and effective. According to her, critical pillars of outbreak preparedness, including surveillance, case management, laboratory services, risk communication, infection prevention and control, and emergency coordination, have all been reinforced.
The commissioner called on healthcare professionals, managers of public and private health facilities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with health authorities. She urged residents to promptly report any individual exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola, including sudden high fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, unexplained bleeding, or recent travel history to affected regions.
While emphasizing the need for vigilance, Ajetunmobi appealed to residents not to panic, noting that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola within the state or the country. She encouraged citizens to continue observing good hygiene practices, wash their hands regularly, maintain proper sanitation, and seek immediate medical attention whenever unusual symptoms are observed.
She also stressed the importance of public awareness and timely reporting in preventing disease outbreaks, noting that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in containing infectious diseases before they spread within communities.
The commissioner reiterated that the state government is working closely with relevant national and international health agencies to ensure that Oyo State remains adequately prepared for any eventuality. She said continuous collaboration, information sharing, and coordinated response strategies are being maintained to strengthen the state’s capacity to address public health emergencies.
Ajetunmobi assured residents that the government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates whenever necessary. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting the health of its citizens and maintaining a strong, responsive healthcare system capable of addressing emerging health challenges.
She concluded by urging the public to remain calm, stay informed through official channels, and support government efforts aimed at keeping communities safe from infectious diseases and other public health threats.
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