Despite the elevated risk assessment, health authorities have assured Nigerians that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in the country and urged the public to remain calm while adhering to public health advisories.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the Director-General of NCDC, Jide Idris, said the agency had intensified preparedness measures nationwide following the confirmation of outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

According to him, a comprehensive dynamic risk assessment conducted by the agency classified the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high due to increasing regional transmission, international travel and population movement, porous borders, and the possibility of delayed detection, as Ebola symptoms can resemble those of malaria and Lassa fever.

Idris, however, stressed that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria.

He explained that although there are no widely available licensed vaccines or approved treatments, particularly for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, experience from previous outbreaks has shown that early detection, rapid isolation of cases, infection prevention and control measures, contact tracing, risk communication and effective emergency coordination remain the most reliable tools for containing transmission and saving lives.

The NCDC boss encouraged Nigerians to continue their normal activities while obtaining information only from credible sources, avoiding rumours and misinformation, and promptly reporting unusual illnesses through established public health channels.

Highlighting the country’s preparedness efforts, Idris disclosed that readiness assessments had been completed in 549 health facilities across 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He added that 17 designated treatment centres had also been assessed to evaluate screening capacity, isolation readiness, infection prevention and control systems, healthcare worker protection, and treatment preparedness.

On capacity building, he noted that while there was no specific training programme dedicated to Ebola, management of the disease, like other infectious disease outbreaks, requires strict adherence to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols.

He further emphasised that preparedness is a collective responsibility, noting that while the NCDC coordinates national efforts, effective prevention and early response depend on collaboration among state governments, healthcare institutions, communities, development partners and the public.

MEANWHILE, Africa CDC and WHO have unveiled a six-month continental preparedness and response plan covering June to November 2026 to strengthen Africa’s response to the Ebola outbreak.
The initiative seeks to mobilise $518 million and bring together governments, partners and communities under a unified “One Response” approach.

The plan focuses on emergency coordination, disease surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control, clinical care, community engagement, research, logistics, and the continuity of essential health services.

The continental strategy is designed to complement national response plans already launched by the governments of the DRC and Uganda, while supporting affected and at-risk countries in strengthening outbreak preparedness and response systems.

The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya, said Africa must respond with urgency and unity to prevent further spread of the disease.

According to him, the joint plan provides a clear framework for coordinated action to save lives, support affected countries and protect neighbouring communities.

Similarly, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stressed that close partnership and coordinated leadership by affected countries would be critical to ending the outbreak.

He noted that the response must be guided by the principle of “one plan, one budget, one team,” adding that political commitment, sustainable financing and community trust are essential to containing Ebola transmission.

Tedros explained that communities remain central to the response because effective contact tracing, timely access to care and successful disease control depend heavily on public participation and cooperation.

The organisations noted that the plan prioritises the protection of vulnerable populations, stronger cross-border collaboration and rapid response to emerging cases, while also helping countries build more resilient health systems capable of managing future health emergencies.

They maintained that established public health measures remain effective in reducing transmission and improving recovery outcomes.

To address existing treatment gaps, the Government of the DRC, WHO and other partners disclosed that they are working to rapidly initiate randomised controlled trials on candidate vaccines and treatments.

The organisations urged communities to continue practising regular hand hygiene, seek medical care promptly when symptoms appear, and share only accurate health information.

The plan also seeks to sustain support for other ongoing health emergencies, including mpox, cholera and measles, to prevent disruptions to existing response efforts and preserve gains towards stronger health systems.

Africa CDC and WHO further called on member states to strengthen screening and public health measures at points of entry while enhancing cross-border coordination and solidarity to ensure a timely, effective and evidence-based response.

Drawing lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks and other public health emergencies, the organisations said the initiative would not only help control the current outbreak but also strengthen Africa’s long-term capacity to prevent, detect and respond to future health threats while protecting lives and livelihoods.