The federal government has ordered stricter enforcement of Ebola screening and other entry requirements at Nigeria’s designated entry points after reports that approved protocols were not being followed.
The directive covers screening procedures, health declarations, surveillance and other entry measures. Agencies and health institutions must also document and report actual or attempted breaches through established channels.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced the directive on Friday, October 23, saying it followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser over reported non-compliance.
The instructions are contained in an October 22 circular signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Daju Kachollom, on behalf of Health Minister Muhammad Pate. The ministry called for consistent and non-discriminatory enforcement to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Institutions responsible for the measures were told to improve coordination and information-sharing, support enforcement officials and put monitoring and accountability arrangements in place to identify and address lapses.
The ministry said staff enforcing the protocols should be allowed to perform their duties professionally and without undue interference. It ordered the circular to be circulated immediately to relevant departments, units, field offices and personnel.
The directive follows the confirmed Ebola case in Abuja and contact-tracing efforts. NaijaTrend previously reported the Senate’s call for stronger entry screening and emergency funding here.
All institutions concerned were instructed to give the directive priority and promptly address identified lapses.
Sources: Premium Times, Punch
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