The Federal Government on Thursday announced that it has developed a National Ebola Preparedness Plan (NEPP) for the country.
The plan is aimed to check possible fresh outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country.
Coordinating Minister of Health, Alhaji Khaliru Alhassan who disclosed this during a briefing on certification of the nation as EVD free in Abuja said about 506 volunteers were ready for deployment to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, adding that the first batch of 250 would soon be deployed.
Alhassan, who doubled as the Minister of State for Health said the nation should rather remain proactive rather than relaxing the outbreak was over.
He stated that until the EVD is contained in the region and the world, chances of the virus being imported into the country was high.
“This achievement recorded by Nigeria’s public health must not be taken for granted and we must not go to sleep and start resting on our oars. It should serve as a warning signal that this current outbreak of EVD still presents a measured threat to Nigeria and the world. Until it is contained and eliminated from all countries, particularly from the West African sub region.
“Without this, the possibility of a re-importation of EVD into Nigeria remains high; thus it is not quite over yet. It is in this regard that we have developed a NEPP with all elements to work with the states to activate their managements systems, to strengthen our national preparedness and be ready to respond to a potential outbreakn should it occur again,” Alhassan said.
However, the Minister disclosed that FG would set up a National Emergency Operations Centre at the nation’s capital territory.
He urged state governments to further enhance their surveillance systems and increase public awareness on the disease.
The Minister also emphasised the need to strengthen hospital authorities and health officials.
