RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) across its 31 local government areas to intensify monitoring and promptly report suspected Ebola cases as part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, issued the directive during a meeting with surveillance officers at the Ministry of Health Conference Room in Uyo.
The directive follows Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, although Akwa Ibom authorities have maintained that no confirmed case has been recorded in the state.
Addressing the officers, John emphasised the importance of early detection, accurate reporting and strict compliance with established public health guidelines.
He urged surveillance personnel to provide communities with verified health information while submitting comprehensive reports to strengthen disease monitoring and emergency response.
The commissioner also announced plans for a statewide public enlightenment campaign in churches on Sunday, November 1, focusing on Ebola prevention, childhood immunisation and other public health concerns.
He pledged government support through transportation arrangements and essential working equipment to improve surveillance activities across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Public Health Services, Dr Bassey Akpan, stressed the importance of grassroots surveillance and timely communication between health facilities and relevant authorities.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Nchiek Eneh, conducted training on Ebola case definitions to strengthen participants’ ability to identify and classify suspected infections.
Similarly, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Mrs Aniefiok Akpan, addressed preparedness measures, coordination and reporting procedures.
The State Laboratory Focal Person, Mrs Enobong Ubong, also trained participants on safe specimen collection, packaging and transportation to protect healthcare workers and ensure reliable laboratory investigation.
The Chairman of the state’s DSNOs Forum, Udeme Pius, reaffirmed members’ commitment to disease prevention and surveillance.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that 54 primary contacts had been identified following the country’s imported Ebola case.
The patient was medically evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, while Nigerian health authorities continued monitoring identified contacts.
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, observe preventive hygiene measures and report suspected infections promptly.
The state government maintained that heightened surveillance is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health rather than an indication of an Ebola outbreak in Akwa Ibom.
