20th May 2026
ABUJA – The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians of continued vigilance and has activated stronger preparedness to ensure early detection and swift response to any threat connected to the outbreak and spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) within the borders of the nation.
This commitment was made by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, in a press release made available to journalists on Wednesday, May 20th 2026.
He explained that response and preparedness efforts are already underway across the country. These include tighter nationwide surveillance and monitoring, including stronger screening and health declaration processes at airports, seaports and borders through Port Health Services. There’s also increased coordination with state health ministries and key partners, upgraded lab capacity for faster diagnosis, and stricter infection prevention and control in all health facilities. At the same time, public awareness, risk communication and community engagement have been intensified to keep Nigerians informed.
“While Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government is taking all necessary proactive measures to strengthen national preparedness, surveillance, and coordination mechanisms to protect the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians,” the Minister noted.
NCDC raised Nigeria’s Ebola alert after outbreaks in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring it a public health emergency on May 17, 2026.
The Bundibugyo strain in DRC has no vaccine and a 25-40% fatality rate, prompting isolation centers and rapid response teams to be reactivated nationwide.
For Health Pharm Media, Raymond Ken-Mbata reporting
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