The Enugu State Government has reproved the Port Health Services and other key stakeholders at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for failing to actively report surveillance activities and to proactively implement Ebola prevention measures to the National Health Authorities.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu revealed this at a meeting held with stakeholders in efforts to strengthen the state’s preparedness against possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease.
At the meeting led by the State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) surveillance team, Prof. Ugwu expressed concern over inadequate Ebola preparedness measures at the airport despite the state’s designation as a high-risk location for disease importation due to its International airport status; the EOC surveillance team focuses on cross-border disease monitoring and rapid response mechanisms at key transit points such as the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus has been declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), as defined in the provisions of the International Health Regulations (IHR); hence, all countries and the Port Health Services at the airport must become more proactive and fully aligned with national disease surveillance protocols.
“There is need for stronger collaboration between airport authorities and the health sector, in the area of passenger screening and surveillance,” the Commissioner charged.
Prof Ugwu further mandated the immediate implementation of health declaration forms for incoming passengers before arrival, describing the measure as a critical step in early detection and response.
A health declaration is mandatory for all international arrivals. This is in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), which require all persons arriving in Nigeria from international destinations to complete a health declaration form. Failure to comply may result in mandatory health screening or denial of entry (Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC).
In his response, the Terminal Manager, Henry Emmanuel, on behalf of the Regional Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, acknowledged the Commissioner’s concerns and admitted that more could be done to strengthen preparedness efforts.
Mr. Emmanuel described the Commissioner’s visit as a timely wake-up call and assured the delegation that airport management would take the observations seriously and, henceforth, work closely with the Ministry of Health to improve surveillance systems and implement recommended preventive measures.
Those in attendance at the meeting include the Enugu State Emergency Operation Center Surveillance team, representatives of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Port Health Services, airport safety officials, and other critical stakeholders.
