— Minister urges accurate information, warns against spreading unverified reports
By Chidinma Chukwu
ABUJA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public enlightenment on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following reports of a confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive was issued to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON) and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the statement, Idris directed the agencies to work with relevant health authorities to ensure that Nigerians receive accurate, timely and evidence-based information about the disease.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reportedly confirmed the case earlier this week in a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda.
The woman is said to be in isolation and receiving treatment, while health authorities have identified her contacts and commenced follow-up measures.
Reacting to the development, Idris said the Federal Government was taking necessary steps to contain the case and protect public health.
“The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians. Accurate and timely information is one of our strongest defences.
“Our agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases,” he said.
The minister directed the agencies to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that public enlightenment campaigns are guided by verified information and established health advice.
He specifically tasked the NOA with deploying its nationwide network of offices for grassroots sensitisation.
The agency is expected to work with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media to ensure that accurate information reaches people at the community level.
Idris also urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely on official sources and refrain from circulating unverified reports and claims on social media.
Members of the public were advised to report suspected cases through the NCDC’s toll-free, 24-hour emergency line on 6232.
The post Ebola: Idris directs agencies to intensify public enlightenment appeared first on Vanguard News.