PROMAD Infotech Foundation and the Foundation for Integrated Care (FIC) have urged the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen health security measures following the reported confirmation of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in Abuja.
The organisations called for intensified disease surveillance, improved health facility preparedness, effective contact tracing, coordinated intelligence-sharing among public health authorities and transparent management of resources to prevent further transmission.
They also warned that weak coordination, inadequate preparedness and the spread of misinformation could undermine efforts to contain the outbreak and expose more people to infection.
The call followed the Federal Government’s reported confirmation on October 20, 2026, of an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, October 23, the organisations said health authorities had activated response measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, surveillance and infection prevention and control.
The statement added that officials reported on October 21 that the patient’s condition had deteriorated into multiple-organ failure, while investigations into the source of infection and possible exposures remained ongoing.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCTA health authorities and response partners, PROMAD and FIC stressed the need for a coordinated, evidence-based response to protect public health and prevent further spread.
“Authorities should maintain active surveillance, promptly investigate alerts, strengthen contact tracing and ensure suspected cases are identified, safely isolated, tested and referred through established protocols,” the organisations said.
They urged national and FCT authorities to clearly define responsibilities, strengthen information-sharing and improve coordination among health facilities and response agencies.
The organisations also called for regular situation reports containing verified information on the outbreak, response progress, operational challenges and emerging priorities, while protecting the confidentiality of affected individuals.
On health security preparedness, PROMAD and FIC urged authorities to assess public and private health facilities across the FCT to determine their capacity to detect and safely manage suspected Ebola cases.
They said the assessments should cover the availability of personal protective equipment, infection prevention and control procedures, isolation arrangements, laboratory referral pathways, reporting systems and essential medical supplies.
According to the organisations, identified weaknesses should be addressed through targeted interventions, clear implementation timelines and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that corrective measures are carried out.
They also emphasised the need to equip healthcare workers with appropriate guidance and support to reduce the risk of infection and strengthen the capacity of health facilities to respond to suspected cases.
The organisations further identified misinformation, panic and stigmatisation as risks that could complicate outbreak management.
They called on the NCDC, FCTA, health facilities and response partners to coordinate public communication on prevention, potential exposure, referral procedures and verified developments.
They said public messaging must distinguish confirmed facts from ongoing investigations and provide residents with practical information on how to protect themselves and seek assistance from public health authorities.
The organisations also called for stronger community-level surveillance and engagement, urging authorities to leverage Nigeria’s youth networks to support the dissemination of verified health information and identify concerns requiring attention from response teams.
“Nigeria’s active youth networks should be strategically leveraged as community engagement partners,” the statement said.
They noted that youth-led organisations, student associations and community volunteers could help counter misinformation, promote appropriate health-seeking behaviour and relay community concerns to relevant authorities.
PROMAD and FIC also urged authorities to establish accessible feedback channels and work with community leaders, civil society organisations and other trusted local actors to address rumours and strengthen public confidence.
They stressed that community engagement should be linked to surveillance, contact tracing and other response operations so that information from residents could inform decisions.
On the management of emergency resources, the organisations called for transparent reporting on funds allocated, released and spent on Ebola preparedness and response.
They said accountability should cover procurement, logistics, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and public communication.
“Emergency conditions may require rapid procurement and deployment of resources, but speed must be accompanied by appropriate documentation, financial oversight and verification that supplies and services reach intended facilities and communities,” they said.
They maintained that transparent resource management was essential to ensuring that health facilities received the supplies and support required to manage suspected cases and protect healthcare workers.
The organisations urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and follow guidance from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant health authorities.
They also advised anyone who believes they may have been exposed to Ebola to contact public health authorities promptly for assessment and guidance.
Reaffirming their commitment to supporting the government and response agencies, PROMAD and FIC said effective outbreak management required coordinated action, prepared health facilities, reliable information, accountable resource utilisation and public cooperation.
“Protecting lives requires effective coordination, evidence-driven action, transparent resource management and an informed, engaged public,” the organisations said.
