RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has announced the activation of its infection outbreak response mechanism following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
The hospital said the precautionary measure was intended to strengthen its preparedness, improve coordination and reassure the public of its capacity to respond to potential health emergencies.
In a statement attributed to its Chief Medical Director, Professor Chituru Godwill Orluwene, the hospital disclosed that the decision followed a strategic meeting with its Infection Prevention and Control/Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee.
Orluwene directed the committee to establish a Situation Room to coordinate preparedness activities, strengthen disease surveillance and support the hospital’s response arrangements.
According to the statement, implementation will be carried out in phases, beginning with measures within the hospital before potentially expanding through collaboration with relevant state health authorities.
The chief medical director emphasised the importance of institutional readiness and cooperation among healthcare providers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
Orluwene also acknowledged the efforts of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in coordinating the national response.
The development follows the Federal Government’s confirmation on October 20 of an imported Ebola case involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda.
Federal health authorities subsequently activated emergency response measures, including contact tracing, patient isolation and heightened surveillance across healthcare facilities.
The NCDC has also called on hospitals nationwide to strengthen infection prevention procedures and promptly report suspected cases.
UPTH urged residents to remain calm, observe recommended personal hygiene practices and cooperate with healthcare workers and public health authorities.
The hospital further advised members of the public to seek medical attention at recognised health facilities whenever necessary.
It assured residents that its medical expertise, personnel and institutional resources would be deployed to support preparedness and protect public health.
The announcement does not indicate that an Ebola case has been detected at UPTH or elsewhere in Rivers State.
