Education
Ebola: Groups urge govt, FCTA to strengthen response, ensure transparent spending – EnviroNews
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PROMAD Infotech Foundation and the Foundation for Integrated Care (FIC) have called on the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen Nigeria’s response to Ebola through coordinated public health interventions, transparent resource management, effective risk communication and improved health facility preparedness.
The organisations made the call following the Federal Government’s confirmation on October 20, 2026, of an imported case of Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a joint statement signed by Joseph Akujuobi, Communications Officer, PROMAD Infotech Foundation, and Anda Saddam, Communication and Media Associate, FIC, the organisations acknowledged the ongoing response efforts by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, FCTA health authorities and their partners.
They stressed, however, that sustained coordination, timely interventions and continuous monitoring would be essential to containing the infection and preventing further transmission.
The organisations noted that health authorities had activated response measures, including case investigation, contact tracing, surveillance and infection prevention and control.
They 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 potential exposures remained ongoing.
According to the organisations, the evolving situation requires a coordinated, evidence-based response with clearly defined responsibilities, timely information-sharing and effective collaboration among national and FCT authorities, healthcare facilities and response partners.
NGOs Demand Improved Health Facility Preparedness
PROMAD and FIC urged the relevant authorities to assess the preparedness of public and private health facilities across the FCT to ensure they can safely identify, manage and refer suspected Ebola cases.
They said the assessments should examine healthcare workers’ readiness, the availability of appropriate personal protective equipment, infection prevention and control practices, isolation arrangements, laboratory referral pathways, reporting systems and essential medical supplies.
The organisations called for identified gaps to be addressed through targeted interventions, with responsible agencies, implementation timelines and follow-up mechanisms established to monitor progress.
They also urged authorities to maintain active surveillance, investigate alerts promptly and ensure suspected cases are identified, safely isolated, tested and referred in accordance with established public health protocols.
Regular situation updates, they said, should provide verified epidemiological information, details of response progress, operational gaps and emerging priorities while protecting the confidentiality of affected individuals.
Demand Transparency in Ebola Response Spending
The organisations also called for transparent reporting on resources allocated, released and spent on Ebola preparedness and response.
They said such reporting should cover procurement, logistics, surveillance, infection prevention and control, and public communication activities.
While acknowledging that emergencies may require rapid procurement and deployment of resources, PROMAD and FIC maintained that speed must be accompanied by proper documentation, financial oversight and verification that supplies and services reach their intended facilities and communities.
They stressed that periodic reporting should demonstrate how public resources are being utilised, identify implementation gaps and explain the corrective measures taken to address them.
According to the organisations, transparent resource management would strengthen public confidence and help ensure that funds and essential supplies contribute effectively to containing the outbreak.
Youth Networks Urged to Support Public Awareness
PROMAD and FIC identified risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) as critical components of an effective Ebola response, urging authorities to prioritise timely, accurate and actionable information for residents of the FCT and Nigerians generally.
They called on the NCDC, FCTA, healthcare facilities and response partners to coordinate public messaging on prevention, potential exposure, referral pathways and developments in the response.
The organisations warned that communication must distinguish verified facts from ongoing investigations, protect patient confidentiality and avoid fuelling panic, stigma or discrimination.
They further urged authorities to mobilise Nigeria’s youth networks, including youth-led organisations, student associations and community volunteers, to help disseminate verified information, counter misinformation and encourage appropriate health-seeking behaviour.
With appropriate orientation, approved communication materials and coordination with health authorities, they said, young people could extend outreach to adolescents, young adults and underserved communities.
The organisations also called for stronger feedback channels through which residents could ask questions and report concerns, alongside greater engagement with community leaders, civil society organisations and other trusted local actors.
They emphasised that public health communication should be inclusive, culturally appropriate and accessible to persons with disabilities and other underserved groups.
RCCE activities, they added, should be integrated with surveillance, contact tracing and other response operations to ensure community feedback informs public health decisions.
“Effective RCCE is not merely a publicity exercise; it is a critical public health intervention that builds trust, encourages cooperation and supports a coordinated Ebola response,” the statement said.
Nigerians Urged to Follow Verified Health Information
The organisations urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to rely on verified information from the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant health authorities.
They advised citizens against spreading unverified information and urged them to respect the privacy of affected individuals.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the virus was encouraged to contact public health authorities promptly for assessment and guidance.
PROMAD and FIC reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government and relevant response agencies, particularly in strengthening risk communication and community engagement and mobilising youth networks to promote accurate information and responsible health-seeking behaviour.
They maintained that an effective Ebola response would depend on coordinated situation management, timely and appropriate interventions, adequately prepared health facilities, transparent and accountable resource utilisation, and sustained public trust.
