‘How Nigeria almost missed Ebola-free certification’

SOME form of providence set in yesterday to ensure that Nigeria did not miss being certified Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as the Nigerian, who was quarantined for 48 hours in Spain last week was eventually cleared.
While his ordeal lasted, the authorities back in Nigeria had prayed fervently for the test to come out negative, and it a great relief when it was declared.
Project Director of the Centre for Disease Control in Nigeria, Prof. Abdulsami Nasidi, said at a news conference to announce the nation as Ebola-free: “A Nigerian was stopped in Spain and quarantined, claiming that he was shivering in the plane, and was kept under surveillance for 48 hours, with samples collected.

“Had his samples not come out positive, we would not be celebrating today. But we overcame. His result came out negative. So definitely we have the confidence to face WHO and tell them to come and tell the world.”
And on the heels of the nation’s virus-free certification, no fewer than 28 health workers in Lagos State are set to travel to Sierra Leone to support the ongoing efforts at combating the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The Lagos State Government yesterday announced plans to give the West African neighbours technical assistance to overcome the deadly EVD, as soon as the Federal Government and WHO so approve.
Lagos has also awarded N50 million to First Consultant Hospital, “as a goodwill gesture to help the business get back on its feet” in the aftermath of EVD. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, at a status update on EVD yesterday, disclosed that 28 trained health workers have expressed interest in the mission to Sierra Leone.
This followed Governor Babatunde Fasola’s statement on Sunday that the West African countries worst hit by the epidemic were in need of support, and that Nigeria would not be completely out of the woods when such neighbours as Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea were still being plagued.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the successful eradication of EVD in the country, saying it would change the country’s negative external perception.
In a statement by Mr. Paul Ibe of his media office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku said the Federal Government, governments of Lagos and Rivers states should be commended for this remarkable achievement in the face of the grimmest medical crisis the country found itself dealing with at the time.