 |
| Dr Zainab Mohammed Idris-Kwaru |
The National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr Zainab Mohammed Idris-Kwaru, has called on Nigerians, governments and community leaders to strengthen disease surveillance, maintain proper hygiene and promptly report suspected Ebola symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
Dr Idris-Kwaru, a senior lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine at Kaduna State University, said effective public awareness, early detection and strict adherence to infection prevention measures were critical to containing the outbreak.
She made the call while speaking on the reported Ebola case in Abuja, urging the public to remain vigilant without creating unnecessary panic.
According to her, symptoms that should raise suspicion include high fever, severe headache, general body weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea.
She advised anyone experiencing such symptoms, particularly after travelling or having possible contact with an infected person, to seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare professionals of any relevant exposure.
The MWAN president stressed that Ebola does not spread through the air like COVID-19 but is transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of an infected person, or contaminated objects and materials.
She therefore urged Nigerians to avoid contact with the body fluids of suspected cases and to maintain regular handwashing and good personal hygiene.
Dr Idris-Kwaru also called on healthcare workers to observe established infection prevention and control protocols, including appropriate protective measures when attending to suspected cases.
She noted that health authorities must sustain surveillance and contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus and ensure that appropriate public health measures are taken.
Governments Urged to Strengthen Surveillance
On measures to prevent the spread of the virus between the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring Kaduna State, Dr Idris-Kwaru emphasised the need for close collaboration, timely information sharing and coordinated emergency response.
She said disease surveillance should remain active across states and at points of entry, including airports, seaports and land borders, to ensure that suspected cases are identified and managed promptly.
The association president commended the activation of emergency response measures by relevant health authorities and expressed confidence that sustained vigilance and effective coordination could help contain the outbreak.
She also urged governments to intensify public enlightenment through radio, television, newspapers, social media and community-based platforms, particularly in local languages, to ensure that accurate information reaches people in both urban and rural areas.
Community Leaders and Organisers Asked to Act
Dr Idris-Kwaru called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, transport unions and other community stakeholders to support public health authorities by disseminating verified information and encouraging residents to report suspected cases.
She said organisers of political rallies, public meetings and other large gatherings should maintain proper sanitation facilities, provide handwashing facilities and ensure that participants have access to reliable health information.
She cautioned against misinformation and unnecessary panic, stressing that the public should follow official guidance from relevant health authorities rather than rely on rumours.
Women and Families Have a Key Role
The MWAN president urged women to help promote hygiene and disease awareness within households and communities, particularly in protecting children and supporting vulnerable family members.
She called for regular handwashing, environmental sanitation and proper cleaning of contaminated areas, while warning against direct contact with vomit, diarrhoeal waste, blood or other potentially infectious body fluids.
However, she emphasised that preventing the spread of Ebola was a shared responsibility, urging men, women, community leaders and government agencies to work together.
Dr Idris-Kwaru said collective action, early reporting, accurate public information and strict compliance with health advice were essential to preventing further transmission and protecting lives.
She urged Nigerians to remain calm but alert, adding that suspected cases should be reported promptly to the appropriate health authorities.