Saturday, August 9, 2014

President Jonathan declares state of emergency on Ebola, Approves N1.9b special intervention fund

President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday declared the control and containment of Ebola virus in Nigeria as national emergency.

He also approved N1.9bn special intervention fund to fight the deadly Ebola virus.

Jonathan directed Federal Ministry of Health to work in collaboration with the State Ministries of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to ensure that all possible steps are taken to effectively contain the threat of the Ebola virus in line with international protocols and best practices.

In a statement by his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, the president approved a Special Intervention Plan and the immediate release of N1.9bn for its implementation, to further strengthen on-going steps to contain the virus such as the establishment of additional isolation centres, case management, contact tracing, deployment of additional personnel, screening at borders, and the procurement of required items and facilities.

"The President commends the vigilance of aviation and health authorities in Lagos who identified and isolated the index case in Nigeria, the late Patrick Sawyer, an American-Liberian who flew into the country.

"He also applauds the good work of health authorities at both State and Federal levels who have traced persons who had contact with him, isolated other identified cases and embarked on massive public enlightenment.

"President Jonathan calls for even greater vigilance and co-operation at all levels to stop the Ebola virus from spreading further".

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How to protect yourself from Ebola virus

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