Sokoto Puts Health Workers on Alert Over Ebola Threat
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Sokoto State Government has placed disease surveillance teams on alert and strengthened emergency response measures to guard against a possible Ebola outbreak, although the state remains classified as low risk by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention NCDC.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, disclosed this on Tuesday following a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at evaluating the state’s preparedness to detect and contain any potential outbreak.
Wurno reassured residents that there was no immediate cause for concern, stressing that the state was taking precautionary measures to prevent the disease from gaining a foothold.
“I want to inform you that Sokoto is a low-risk state, as declared by the NCDC. There is no cause for alarm” he said.
The commissioner explained that epidemiologists and surveillance officers had been directed to remain vigilant, while response mechanisms had been strengthened and designated health facilities prepared to manage suspected cases.
He said particular attention was being paid to the Illela border crossing with the Niger Republic and the Sokoto airport as part of efforts to monitor possible entry points.
“We have put all of them on alert so that, in case of any alert, we are able to switch into action” Wurno said.
He added that the Infectious Disease Hospital in Amanawa had been equipped and prepared to receive suspected Ebola patients, with personal protective equipment and other essential materials provided for infection prevention and control.
According to him, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director attended the meeting to brief stakeholders on the facility’s readiness to respond to a possible outbreak.
Wurno said the meeting involved officials responsible for disease surveillance, infection prevention, clinical management and public information, with discussions focusing on identifying gaps and strengthening existing emergency arrangements.
“The level of readiness is intact and ready for any eventuality,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the commissioner reported an improvement in the state’s diphtheria situation, saying fewer patients were requiring hospital admission.
He disclosed that diphtheria treatment services were being provided at three centres: Specialist Hospital Sokoto, which has 45 beds; Amana, with 100 beds; and another facility with five beds.
He said each centre currently had fewer than 10 patients, putting the total number of admissions below 20, while describing the management of the disease as encouraging.
The heightened surveillance comes amid concerns over a major Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has prompted increased preparedness efforts in parts of Nigeria.
The commissioner urged residents not to panic but to remain vigilant, rely on credible sources for health information and report any suspected cases promptly to the appropriate health authorities.
