Ebola: Be wary of handshakes, hugs, Academy of Medical Sciences cautions

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The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged Nigerians to be wary of handshakes, hugs and other unnecessary physical contact and to adopt non-contact greetings instead as 

part of the immediate nationwide high alert response to the confirmed Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In a public health advisory issued on Tuesday, the Academy  endorsed the Federal Government’s response to the confirmed case involving a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria from Uganda, the Academy commended the prompt isolation of the patient, commencement of contact tracing and intensified surveillance.

Noting that the measure was  an additional precaution members of the public were urged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick persons and refrain from handling the bodies of people suspected to have died from Ebola.

The advisory, jointly signed by the Academy’s President, Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie; Foundation President, Professor Oladapo A. Ashiru; and Rapid Response Committee member, Professor Boaz Adegboro, urged the federal government to extend heightened preparedness measures across the country, drawing on Nigeria’s successful containment of Ebola in 2014 and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the statement, the experts called for enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers arriving from countries affected by Ebola, as well as the activation of isolation and treatment centres across states.

They stressed the need for strict infection prevention and control measures in public and private health facilities, adequate personal protective equipment for health workers and rigorous monitoring of identified contacts.

Urging healthcare professionals to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly isolate anyone suspected of having Ebola and immediately report such cases to public health authorities, The Academy identified fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea as symptoms requiring attention, particularly in people who may have been exposed to the virus, they advised anyone who suspects exposure or develops symptoms to contact public health authorities before visiting a health facility, to reduce the risk of exposing others.

Addressing public concerns about transmission of the Ebola virus, the Academy explained that Ebola is not an airborne disease, saying it spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, a person who has died from the disease, or materials contaminated with such fluids, noting that an infected person cannot transmit Ebola before symptoms begin.

Further, the advisory called for full cooperation with contact-tracing teams and warned against spreading rumours or stigmatising suspected cases, urging Nigerians to rely on information from official health authorities.

It directed the public to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free number, 6232, which is available round the clock

Ebola case: Nigeria activates emergency response in FCT, tracks 44 contacts

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The Federal Government has activated emergency public health measures, launched contact tracing for 44 people and intensified disease surveillance after confirming an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday.

The response, led by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), includes isolating the case, strengthening infection control, and tracking people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the case on Tuesday following laboratory confirmation.

In a statement, Pate said the patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, had spent several days receiving treatment at a private hospital in the FCT before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

He said health authorities have commenced contact tracing to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the infection, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The statement reads: “The Federal Government of Nigeria confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following laboratory confirmation today, 20 October 2026.

“The patient, a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda, was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed. She is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

“The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NCDC are working closely with the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

“Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Surveillance has been intensified, and the hospital is receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures.

“The FG calls on all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to be on high alert. Healthcare workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases to public health authorities.”

Noting that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with the disease or has died from it, or through contact with contaminated materials, the statement said a person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin.

Pate urged public and private healthcare facilities nationwide to remain on high alert, maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly isolate and report suspected cases. He also called on healthcare workers to observe strict infection prevention and control measures.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or someone who has died from the disease. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated materials.

According to the minister, infected people cannot transmit the disease before symptoms begin. However, the public has been advised to watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly after possible exposure.

“We advise everyone to remain calm but vigilant. There is no need for panic. Practise regular hand hygiene and avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected to have Ebola.

“Watch for symptoms, including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly following possible exposure.

“Report any possible exposure immediately, even if you feel well. If you develop symptoms, avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

“Anyone who suspects exposure has been urged to report immediately, even without symptoms. Those who develop symptoms should avoid close contact with others and call public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility,” the statement stressed.

The government also urged people identified during contact tracing, including relevant airline passengers, to cooperate with health officials and follow public health advice.

Reassuring Nigerians, Pate said the country had successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 and had the experience and public health systems needed to respond to the current case. However, he stressed that containing the infection would require public cooperation, early detection and prompt reporting.

He cautioned against spreading rumours or stigmatising affected persons, urging Nigerians to rely on verified information from official health authorities.

The Federal Government said investigations were ongoing and that further updates would be provided through the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease and the NCDC.

“We urge Nigerians to remain calm, stay vigilant and cooperate with public health authorities. Early detection, prompt reporting and everyone's cooperation are critical to preventing further spread.”

“The Federal Government, FCT authorities and other partners are working together to protect healthcare workers, patients and the wider public. Investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to provide accurate and timely information.

“The Government of Nigeria through the Presidential Taskforce on EVD and NCDC will continue to provide updates. NCDC free call centre is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information or to report a suspected case, please call NCDC toll-free number 6232.

LASHMA, Zamba bag Presidency GOVTECH Awards 2026

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The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, have been honoured with top national accolades at the Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Awards 2026, organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), The Presidency.

During a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, LASHMA was named the Best State MDA in Digital Health Service Delivery (2026), while Dr. Zamba received the GOVTECH Trailblazer’s Award for exemplary leadership, technological adoption, and public sector institutional transformation.

Presenting the honours to Dr. Zamba and LASHMA’s Head of Business Development, Mr. Olatunji Rotimi, the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, commended the agency for pioneering digital solutions within Nigeria's social health insurance landscape.

Mr. Arabi revealed that LASHMA emerged victorious following a rigorous nationwide nomination process and an independent comparative review. He highlighted the agency's fully digitized infrastructure—ranging from enrollment and payments to regulatory systems—noting that corporate organizations can now seamlessly apply and pay for their Corporate Identification Number online.

He noted that LASHMA’s unified digital database currently supports nearly two million ILERA EKO enrollees, including over 200,000 self-registrations. With more than 800 healthcare providers digitally linked to the agency, LASHMA efficiently processes approximately 80,000 pre-authorizations and claims every month.

The Director-General further praised the agency's expanded digital ecosystem, citing its Telemedicine platform, Virtual Health Booths, integrated Customer Relationship Management system, digital vulnerability assessments, and the ILERA EKO Spotlight Online Radio initiative for driving public awareness and health insurance coverage.

Arabi urged LASHMA to maintain its momentum toward achieving Universal Health Coverage in Lagos State, reminding the leadership that the reward for hard work is more work.

Receiving the awards, Zamba expressed gratitude to the Presidency and BPSR for recognizing LASHMA's commitment to delivering affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare to Lagos residents. She reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to accelerate enrollment under the ILERA EKO scheme, eliminate out-of-pocket medical expenses, and safeguard households from catastrophic health spending.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (The Presidency) Award is the fourth Award received by LASHMA in 2026 reinforcing its standing as a national benchmark for digital governance and public health administration.

EU, UN deepen Nigeria partnership as Euro 475m projects target inclusive growth

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 The European Union and the United Nations have reaffirmed their strategic partnership in Nigeria, with 475 million Euros in EU-funded projects being implemented by UN agencies to support development, humanitarian interventions, peace and security.

The commitment was renewed at an EU-UN strategic engagement in Abuja, where both organisations assessed opportunities for deeper cooperation amid mounting pressure on multilateralism and concerns over Nigeria’s economic recovery translating into improved living conditions.

Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the ongoing EU-funded projects implemented by UN agencies in Nigeria, including regional initiatives managed from the country, covered 32 projects.

He said the engagement provided an opportunity for EU member states and UN agencies to strengthen relations, reaffirm support for the United Nations and identify areas for future cooperation.

Mignot stressed that defending multilateralism must go beyond preserving existing structures, noting growing calls for more inclusive representation, improved access to finance, climate resilience and measurable development outcomes.

He also called for UN reforms that would improve efficiency and delivery while strengthening representation, national ownership and the legitimacy of the multilateral system.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, described the EU and its member states as critical partners at a time when international solidarity and the founding principles of the United Nations face increasing pressure.

Fall said the dialogue reflected a shared commitment to strengthening consultations at both global and national levels.

On Nigeria’s economy, he acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic indicators, including broader economic growth in the first half of 2026, supported by agriculture and manufacturing, as well as a decline in inflation compared with early 2025.

He also cited improved fiscal revenues and increased allocations to states as opportunities to expand investment in development and public services.

However, Fall warned that the gains had yet to translate sufficiently into better living conditions for vulnerable households.

“The central challenge is to translate economic stabilisation into jobs, increased productivity, stronger public services and reduced poverty,” he said.

He said Nigeria’s natural resources, resilient population, private sector, creative industries and innovation ecosystem offered significant opportunities for growth, but stressed that these strengths must deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Fall called for stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, productive private-sector investment, more effective institutions and greater investment in human capital, particularly among young people.

On humanitarian assistance, he said the UN was supporting Nigeria’s transition towards greater government leadership and domestic financing of humanitarian action, while cautioning against interpreting the shift as evidence that humanitarian needs had diminished.

“A humanitarian transition does not mean that humanitarian needs have disappeared,” he said, adding that the process should strengthen national systems and financing without compromising assistance and protection for vulnerable people.

Fall also highlighted the domestication of the Kampala Convention as an important legal foundation for protecting and assisting internally displaced persons, stressing the need for effective implementation.

The meeting brought together EU ambassadors and heads of UN agencies in Nigeria. The annual engagement mirrors high-level consultations between the UN Secretary-General and the President of the European Commission. The EU remains the leading donor to UN programmes in Nigeria.

Lagos releases directory of GBV coordinators in 36 states, FCT

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The Lagos State Government has released a directory of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) coordinators across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve access to reporting, referral and support services for survivors.

The directory, released through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), contains contact details of state coordinators to help individuals and organisations connect with relevant authorities handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

The initiative follows a two-day National Convening of GBV State Coordinators hosted by Lagos State, with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

According to DSVA, the directory is intended to strengthen coordination and referral pathways among agencies and other stakeholders involved in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

The agency urged government institutions, civil society organisations, community groups and members of the public to use and share the directory to improve access to appropriate services for survivors.

DSVA said it remained committed to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and improving access to timely support for survivors across the country.

Pistis Foundation takes free medical outreach to Lagos after 10,292 interventions in Ibadan

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Pistis Foundation will take its UBOMI Medical and Surgical Outreach to Lagos from October 19 to 23, offering five days of free medical consultations, diagnostic tests, specialist care and surgical procedures to underserved residents.

The Lagos edition follows the programme's September 21 to 25 outreach in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 10,292 medical interventions were recorded among 3,611 beneficiaries.

The services provided in Ibadan included 2,515 laboratory tests and screenings, 2,121 medical consultations, 1,740 pharmacy interventions, 701 eye care services, 438 dental care services, 109 theatre surgeries and 100 eye surgeries, alongside health promotion activities and other interventions.

Executive Director of Pistis Foundation, Leonard F. Thomas, said the Lagos outreach was part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to essential healthcare.

“Healthcare should never be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. No one should have to endure pain, live with a treatable condition or forgo necessary medical attention simply because of financial limitations,” Thomas said.

He added that the Foundation was working to ensure that inability to pay did not prevent people from accessing quality medical and surgical care.

Board Chairman of Pistis Foundation and Senior Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church, Pastor Gorman Akinlabi, said the initiative reflected the organisation's commitment to improving community health and restoring dignity.

“At Pistis Foundation, we believe that meaningful impact is measured not only by the number of lives reached, but by the dignity restored and the lasting difference made in communities,” Akinlabi said.

He said the Foundation would continue to pursue partnerships and initiatives that improve wellbeing and expand access to essential services, expressing appreciation to medical professionals, volunteers, partners and supporters involved in the programme.

The Lagos outreach will offer general medical consultations, specialist care, laboratory investigations, dental services, eye examinations and glasses, surgical procedures, prescribed medications and other essential health services. Patients seeking surgery will undergo preliminary screening to determine their eligibility.

The programme will hold at Pistis Annex, No. 3 Remi Olowude Street, Eti-Osa, Lagos. Residents of underserved communities are encouraged to attend early, as services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. All services under the outreach will be free.

The 2026 campaign coincides with the 16th anniversary of The Elevation Church and the eighth anniversary of Pistis Foundation. According to the Foundation, its healthcare interventions through UBOMI have reached nearly 60,000 since the programme began.

UBOMI brings together medical professionals, technical partners and volunteers to provide healthcare services to people who might otherwise struggle to afford them.

The Foundation called on community leaders, partners, healthcare professionals and members of the public to help publicise the Lagos outreach to ensure that those most in need can access the services.

FG approves ₦40.8bn health allocation, extends insurance to 90,000 inmates

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The Federal Government has approved a ₦40.76 billion health funding package for the third quarter of 2026, combining a major financial boost for primary healthcare with the extension of national health insurance to nearly 90,000 prison inmates across Nigeria.

The new Q3 disbursement under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) marks an ₦7.88 billion increase over the ₦32.88 billion allocated in the previous quarter. This reflects a steady rise in monthly statutory funding into the primary healthcare network—growing from ₦8.95 billion to ₦20.43 billion—under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

Announcing the decisions in Abuja following the 16th Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasised that increased funding is designed to deliver reliable, high-quality care to vulnerable and underserved populations.

 Pate said the aggressive strategy was to overhaul frontline services and ensure funding translates into actual clinical results for vulnerable citizens.

He said ​under the infrastructure rollout, the Federal Government will scale BHCPF support from 8,309 to 13,521 primary healthcare centers (PHCs)—adding 5,212 operational facilities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The total Q3 statutory release of ₦40.76 billion is being distributed across the four core gateway agencies based on their legal shares. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) receives the largest portion at ₦19.87 billion (48.75 percent) to fund coverage for vulnerable groups and the inmate extension. 

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) follows with ₦18.34 billion (45 percent) for frontline clinic operations and essential medical supplies. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) receives ₦2.04 billion (5 percent) for emergency transport services, while the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) gets ₦509.48 million (1.25 percent) to support disease outbreak responses.

To ensure essential medicines are consistently available at grassroots clinics, the MOC approved pooled procurement through MEDIPOOL, Nigeria’s national Group Purchasing Organisation. This approach incorporates strict pricing benchmarks, value-for-money safeguards, and supply-chain monitoring to deliver quality-assured commodities without delays.

Following a direct request from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Committee approved extending health insurance to approximately 90,000 inmates nationwide through the NHIA. Implementation will follow strict reporting guidelines, and inmates already covered under existing state health schemes will be excluded to avoid duplication.

To ensure resources reach grassroots facilities efficiently, the Ministry is instituting tighter financial oversight and administrative reforms. A dedicated subcommittee has been established to investigate operational bottlenecks stalling the flow of funds through state treasuries, local governments, and frontline health centers, with a final report expected within six weeks.

At the same time, the Federal Government is collaborating with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to track releases down to the facility level and prevent any diversion of funds.

Highlighting the need for state-level partnership, Pate commended the Katsina State government for releasing ₦243 million to its State Health Insurance Agency and urged remaining states and the FCT to fulfill their counterpart funding obligations under the National Health Act of 2014.

"The government will not condone any act that is capable of depriving ordinary Nigerians of the health goods these funds are meant for. Increased financing must translate into timely disbursement, transparent financial management, and improved health outcomes, Pate noted."

Additionally, the MOC advanced a phased co-financing model to assist state governments in recruiting and permanently absorbing Skilled Birth Attendants and Community-Based Health Workers, reinforcing Nigeria’s frontline healthcare workforce.

The Q3 disbursement under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) represents an ₦7.88 billion jump (24 percent) over the ₦32.88 billion allocated in Q2. It signals a dramatic acceleration in monthly statutory funding into Nigeria’s primary healthcare network, which has surged from ₦8.95 billion to ₦20.43 billion monthly under the government's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).