The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) public awareness campaign tagged “Operation Lagos BioShield” to strengthen preparedness and prevent the importation of the deadly disease into the State following ongoing outbreaks in parts of East and Central Africa.
In a press statement issued on by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo Director, Public Affairs, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reassured residents that there are no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria. He stated that the campaign was designed to promote public awareness rather than respond to an existing crisis.
“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness, and prevention,” Abayomi stated.
He said that the initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through early action and strategic communication.
The Commissioner disclosed that the current outbreak affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, making prevention and early detection the most effective response tools.
According to him, “Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation, and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools,” adding that public understanding of the disease is essential in limiting its spread and preventing unnecessary fear within communities.
Abayomi explained that Ebola is not transmitted through casual contact, but through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already ill. The commissioner said that accurate information would help preserve social cohesion by discouraging stigma and misinformation.
“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 said.
Prof. Abayomi revealed that both the Federal and Lagos State Governments are working closely with aviation, maritime, border health and public health authorities to strengthen surveillance and screening protocols at all points of entry. He further announced that the Ministry would, over the coming weeks, intensify public enlightenment through a comprehensive education campaign focused on Ebola prevention, symptoms, reporting channels and protective measures tailored for homes, schools, workplaces and communities across the State.
The Commissioner urged Lagos residents to rely only on verified information and actively support efforts aimed at protecting public health.
Abayomi advised those returning from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to immediately contact emergency lines 112 or 767, or reach the State Epidemiologist on +234 802 316 9485. He also urged them to avoid unnecessary contact with others pending medical guidance.