Agency pledges to protect Nigerians from public health threats

By : Cornelius Essen, Abuja

Date: 19 December 2024 3:05am WAT

A health worker administers dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to a person in Bimbo, near Bangui, on November 15, 2021. - For the health authorities in the Central African Republic, the second least developed in the world according to the UN and in civil war since 2013, the challenge is as much to obtain the vaccine as to convince people of its necessity, as elsewhere on the continent. The population in Bimbo is gradually embracing vaccination, it is thanks to awareness-raising efforts, particularly by the international NGO Alima (The Alliance for International Medical Action), which operates mainly in Africa and conducts vaccination campaigns in hard-to-reach areas. (Photo by Barbara DEBOUT / AFP)

The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has reiterated its commitment to prioritise biosecurity, biosafety and protecting the country from any potential threats to public health.

In a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Gloria Ogbaki, NBMA warned the public to be wary of new variants of the COVID-19 virus, adding that though there have been no confirmed cases of the XEC variant, the agency is committed to taking necessary precautions to safeguard public health and prevent its potential spread into the country.

She said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure Nigeria remains protected from emerging biosecurity threats, the agency is working closely with relevant stakeholders to monitor and assess the situation.”

Ogbaki explained that the agency’s proactive measures include heightened surveillance at borders, airports, and other entry points. She urged Nigerians to rely on trusted health authorities for accurate information regarding COVID-19 and any emerging variants bearing in mind that misinformation can lead to confusion and jeopardise public health efforts.

Ogbaki further advised the public to practice preventive measures that have helped curb the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing where possible, and ensuring proper ventilation

She called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant, adhere to public health guidelines, and trust in the collective efforts of our national health infrastructure to safeguard citizens’ wellbeing.