Date: 11 August, 2026
By Jane Daniels
The Federal Government of Nigeria, has pledged to support Enugu State and other South-East states in strengthening health security and improving health outcomes across the region.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, made the commitment on Tuesday during a working visit to Enugu State.
Idris said the visit was to assess the uncompleted South-East High Definition Molecular Laboratory at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, the level of Ebola prevention and preparedness at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and other related projects.
He stressed the importance of having at least one High Definition Molecular Laboratory in each zone to facilitate the early detection of pathogens, particularly viruses such as Ebola, and ensure the rapid verification of suspected cases.
The NCDC boss said the team was at UNTH to assess the level of completion of the laboratory, noting that erosion was already threatening the facility.
According to him, completing the project would reduce the need to transport samples to distant regions for testing and verification.
Idris lamented that some states do not have a single High Definition Molecular Laboratory, saying the NCDC’s plan to establish such facilities across the zones would strengthen the country’s health security.
He also announced plans for the NCDC to sign a tripartite agreement with the Enugu State Government and UNTH on the maintenance of the laboratory and other health facilities.
“We are here to strengthen Ebola Prevention and Preparedness as Enugu State is among 10 states designated as State with High Importation Risk due to international entry through Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
“As there is yet no drug or vaccines for Ebola, our best action is to prepare effectively for prevention and closing all known gaps for it to be effective.
“Our strategy is to work in synergy with all relevant and necessary stakeholders both at the airports and health partners as well as apply all pillars of disease control.
“We are supporting states with capacity building, know-how transfer and some limited level of funding even as the Federal Government has established the Presidential Task Force for Ebola Prevention and Preparedness”.
Idris further disclosed that he would inspect medical isolation centres across the state to identify gaps and support the government in establishing at least one standard isolation centre equipped with competent personnel, vehicles and necessary equipment.
He urged states to intensify efforts to close gaps in disease surveillance and preparedness, noting that the country is currently battling or working to prevent outbreaks of about 10 diseases.
The NCDC director-general also called on states to stockpile vaccines, drugs, consumables and personal protective equipment, particularly for diseases to which they are vulnerable.
Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, called for greater collaboration between the state government and the NCDC to strengthen health security.
“We need NCDC assistance to build standard medical isolation centre,” Ugwu said.
The commissioner, who is a member of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Prevention and Preparedness, said Enugu required more manpower training, equipment and funding for disease surveillance and on-the-spot operations.
“Our health-loving governor, Dr Peter Mbah, will want to hear your suggests on steps to ensure health security of our people as he is passionate of the security, sound health and well-being of every resident.
The governor has invested hugely in healthcare, with top notch 260 Primary Healthcare Centres, 54 secondary hospitals, two tertiary hospitals and recently the Enugu International Hospital meant to attract medical tourism to the country.”
