Travellers from countries without active or relevant EVD transmission were currently not required to complete the Health Declaration Form
By Moses Okorie
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has strengthened border surveillance following the ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The agency, in a statement on Tuesday, said travellers arriving from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission could be required to complete Health Declaration Forms.
It said the measure was part of Nigeria’s risk-based approach to monitoring the evolving epidemiological situation and would support early detection, risk assessment, surveillance and contact follow-up.
The NCDC said travellers from countries without active or relevant EVD transmission were currently not required to complete the Health Declaration Form.
It explained that the measures followed consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The agency urged travellers and members of the public to remain alert to symptoms associated with Ebola, especially individuals with relevant travel or exposure history.
It advised anyone who develops symptoms to seek medical attention promptly and provide accurate travel and exposure information to healthcare workers and relevant authorities.
The NCDC said preparedness and response activities were ongoing and that the measures would be reviewed as new epidemiological information emerged and Nigeria’s risk assessment was updated.
It said the implementation involved the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Port Health Services, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
The agency added that state ministries of health were also involved, while the World Health Organisation and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention continued to support Nigeria’s preparedness and response efforts.
The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public through evidence-based surveillance, preparedness and timely response to emerging health threats.