The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged state governments to strengthen their preparedness and response systems following a briefing on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, briefed the council on Thursday during its 161st meeting, chaired…...
The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged state governments to strengthen their preparedness and response systems following a briefing on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, briefed the council on Thursday during its 161st meeting, chaired virtually by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Pate, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President,, Stanley Nkwocha, on Thursday, October 22, allayed fears of a major public health crisis, saying Nigeria had the institutional capacity to contain the situation.
The minister outlined measures being pursued by his ministry in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to operationalise a national response system.
Read Also
READ ALSO: NEC Approves 90-Day Plan To Ease Cost Of Living
The statement reads in part, “He identified coordination and governance, detection at points of entry, laboratory testing capacity, logistics for essential kits and personal protective equipment, and effective strategic communication as critical components of the response. ”
Pate also disclosed that 21 state governments had updated their response plans, urging the remaining 15 states to establish appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms without delay.
The briefing formed part of the council’s deliberations on measures to strengthen public health readiness and coordinate responses across the country.