Following the reported case of the dreaded Ebolo virus disease, EVD, in Abuja the federal capital territory, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has moved a motion appealing to the House of Representatives to call on the Federal Government to immediately release outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to the EVD.
Presenting a motion of urgent public importance on the need to strengthen preventive and emergency medical measures following the reported confirmation of an Ebola case in Abuja, HON Ogah described Ebola as a severe and potentially fatal infectious disease that requires prompt detection, effective infection prevention and control measures, and coordinated public health interventions to prevent transmission and save lives.
The lawmaker warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, conducting laboratory investigations, isolating infected persons, tracing contacts and providing timely medical care could increase the risk of transmission and place additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Ogah further cautioned that inadequate public awareness, insufficient infection prevention and control supplies, gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness and limited emergency response capacity could undermine efforts to contain the disease.
He stressed the need for relevant government institutions to act swiftly and collaboratively to protect Nigerians and prevent a potential public health emergency from escalating.
The House, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, unanimously adopted the motion and called for the immediate mobilisation of public and private health institutions, including federal and state health agencies, to intensify surveillance and containment measures against the potential spread of the disease.
It therefore called on the Federal Government, to direct the Ministry of Finance, to release all outstanding appropriated funds to relevant health agencies without further delay.
According to the House, the funds are essential to strengthening disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and other emergency response measures required to contain the reported case and prevent further transmission.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to assess the additional funding required to enhance the country’s preparedness and response capacity in line with current epidemiological evidence and public health guidelines.
Recognising the critical roles of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, state ministries of health and port health authorities, the House called for stronger coordination among all relevant stakeholders.
It also emphasised the importance of collaboration with the World Health Organisation and other international and regional public health institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s response is guided by current scientific evidence and international health regulations.
As part of its resolutions, the House mandated its Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries, departments, agencies and public health institutions to obtain updates on the Ebola situation and assess the measures being implemented to prevent further transmission.
The committee is expected to report its findings to the House for further legislative action.
The intervention underscores the urgency of strengthening Nigeria’s public health infrastructure, ensuring adequate funding for emergency response and improving coordination among health authorities to safeguard citizens against infectious disease outbreaks.
