By Sandra Kenneth
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has introduced mandatory health declaration forms for international passengers arriving from regions with active Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission.
The preventive measure, announced in an interim public health advisory, aims to safeguard the nation against the potential importation and spread of the virus amid a ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the advisory, signed by NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, the policy was instituted following a comprehensive assessment of the evolving epidemiological situation and consultations with public health experts and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“Travellers from countries with active or relevant EVD transmission may be required to complete the Health Declaration Form as part of enhanced public health surveillance and follow-up measures,” the NCDC stated.
The agency clarified that the requirement is strictly targeted, noting that passengers arriving from non-affected countries are currently exempt from filling out the health declaration forms.
Alongside port-of-entry surveillance, the NCDC urged the general public to stay vigilant and watch for symptoms associated with Ebola, advising individuals with recent travel history to affected regions to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
Reassuring the public, the health agency stated that Nigeria remains on high alert with active preparedness protocols in place. It added that surveillance measures will undergo continuous review in response to shifting global health risks.
