File: Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar.
The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to remain calm and rely on verified information following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory.
Atiku, a former Vice-President also called on the authorities to sustain contact tracing, support affected persons and protect health workers involved in efforts to contain the infection.
In a statement on Tuesday, he expressed concern over the confirmed case, saying, “My thoughts are with the patient, and I commend the health professionals working with urgency to contain the infection and protect the public.”
He said Nigerians needed clear information and decisive action from the authorities to prevent further transmission and avoid unnecessary panic.
“In a moment like this, Nigerians deserve calm, clear information and decisive action,” he said.
Atiku urged Nigerians to follow the guidance of health experts and avoid sharing unverified information, adding that the media had a responsibility to inform the public accurately and prevent misinformation.
“The media has an important role in informing the public responsibly and helping prevent fear and misinformation,” he said.
He also called for support for frontline health workers and a coordinated response to contain the infection.
“Let us stand together, support our health workers and do everything necessary to contain this case swiftly. The safety of every Nigerian must remain our shared priority,” he added.
The Federal Government confirmed the Ebola case on Tuesday after laboratory tests established that a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda had contracted the disease.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said 44 contacts had been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts, as public health teams intensified efforts to identify and monitor people who might have been exposed.
The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care, while relevant health authorities are working to prevent further transmission.
The government has urged passengers who may have travelled with the patient and others contacted by public health teams to provide the required information and comply with official guidance.
It also advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly, avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and seek guidance from public health authorities if symptoms develop after possible exposure.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s toll-free line, 6232, is available around the clock for information and reports of suspected cases.