From Premium Times Nigeria · Sharon Eboesomi · · 2m
Ebola: Nigerian lawmakers demand release of funds for health agencies
Nigerian lawmakers urge immediate release of health funds to strengthen Ebola response after first case in Abuja.
In brief
Nigerian lawmakers urge immediate release of health funds to strengthen Ebola response after first case in Abuja. Nigerian lawmakers demand federal release of outstanding health funds to improve Ebola response following confirmation of a case in Abuja. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Ebola case confirmed in Abuja
Nigerian lawmakers urged the executive to release outstanding funds for health agencies to strengthen Nigeria's response to Ebola after confirming a case in Abuja.
Patient in isolation
The patient is currently receiving treatment in isolation at a private hospital in Abuja.
44 contacts identified
Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts for monitoring.
Motion of urgent national importance
The House adopted a motion titled 'Urgent need to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures against Ebola virus disease in Nigeria'.
Amobi Ogah leads debate
Amobi Ogah described Ebola as a severe potentially fatal viral disease requiring early detection, isolation and infection prevention measures.
Risks of delayed response
Delays in identifying suspected cases, laboratory investigations, isolation, contact tracing and medical care could increase transmission risk.
Inadequate preparedness
Ogah raised concerns about inadequate public awareness, infection prevention supplies, healthcare worker preparedness and emergency response capacity.
Funds release demanded
The House urged the federal government through the Ministry of Finance to immediately release outstanding funds to health agencies.
Additional resources needed
The House asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to assess additional resources needed for effective response.
Multi-agency coordination
The House called for involvement of federal and state health agencies, private healthcare providers and relevant institutions to strengthen surveillance.
WHO collaboration
The House urged the government to work closely with the World Health Organisation and other international health institutions.
Committee on Infectious Diseases
The House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to obtain updates on Ebola situation and country's preparedness measures.
Previous Ebola outbreak
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
Nigeria contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after a traveler from Liberia arrived in Lagos.
Current outbreak context
The latest case comes amid an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and regional spread.
What happens next
The Committee on Infectious Diseases will report findings to the House for further legislative action.
The big picture
Nigerian lawmakers demand federal release of outstanding health funds to improve Ebola response following confirmation of a case in Abuja.
