Lagos launches ‘Operation BioShield’ to prevent Ebola outbreak

The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide emergency awareness initiative, codenamed “Operation Lagos BioShield,” as part of efforts to enhance disease surveillance and guard against the possible entry of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into the state following fresh outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, who assured residents that no case of Ebola has been recorded in Lagos or any part of Nigeria.

According to him, the campaign is a preventive measure designed to strengthen public preparedness and ensure the state remains ahead of any potential public health threat.

“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention,” Abayomi stated.

The commissioner explained that the heightened alert was prompted by recent outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. He noted that the strain currently has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.

Abayomi emphasised that prevention, early diagnosis, prompt isolation and supportive medical care remain the most effective strategies for containing the disease.

“Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools,” he said.

He added that improving public understanding of Ebola would help reduce misinformation, panic and stigmatisation associated with the disease.

Providing further clarification, the commissioner explained that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact but through direct exposure to the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected individual who is already showing symptoms.

“As Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world,” he noted.

Abayomi disclosed that the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government were collaborating with aviation, maritime, border health and public health agencies to reinforce screening and surveillance measures at all points of entry into the country.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Health would intensify public education campaigns across schools, workplaces, homes and communities in the coming weeks, with emphasis on Ebola symptoms, preventive measures and emergency reporting procedures.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant and rely only on verified health information from credible sources.

He advised travellers arriving from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to immediately contact emergency numbers 112 or 767, or reach the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485, while avoiding close contact with other people.

Lagos launches ‘Operation BioShield’ to prevent Ebola outbreak