The Borno Government has established a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to strengthen preparedness and enable prompt response to suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases in the state.
Dr Goni Ali, Director of Public Health, Borno Ministry of Health, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
Ali stated that the multidisciplinary team comprises trained public health professionals responsible for detecting, investigating, and containing disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies across the state.
He added that the state has designated two isolation centres within health facilities to manage suspected Ebola cases as part of its preparedness.
According to him, the team will strengthen disease surveillance, investigate suspected cases, trace contacts, ensure safe sample collection, and implement effective infection prevention and control measures.
He said the government will develop and distribute Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to increase public awareness of Ebola prevention and encourage early reporting.
Ali explained that the team will coordinate efforts among local authorities, health facilities, and public health agencies to ensure effective outbreak management across the state.
He said preparedness measures will include providing adequate personal protective equipment, ensuring safe transport of suspected cases, proper waste management, and protecting frontline health workers from infection.
The director added that health workers in public and private facilities will be trained to identify suspected cases, safely isolate patients, and promptly notify public health authorities.
He said surveillance will be increased along major travel routes, border crossings, and other high-traffic locations to enable early detection of possible cases. Ali emphasised the importance of risk communication and community engagement, urging residents to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumours or stigmatising those suspected of infection. He added that the state will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other stakeholders to ensure operational readiness for potential Ebola outbreaks.
The director emphasised that early detection, immediate isolation, contact tracing, and strict infection prevention measures are critical to containing potential outbreaks and protecting public health in the state.
