Mirian Gom 
Lagos Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has launched Operation Lagos BioShield, a statewide campaign aimed at strengthening surveillance and preventing an Ebola outbreak amid fresh cases reported in parts of East and Central Africa.
The initiative comes as health authorities intensify preventive measures following outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola outbreak in Lagos or elsewhere in Nigeria.
“This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention,” Abayomi said on Sunday.
He warned that the Bundibugyo strain currently circulating in affected countries has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
“Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools,” he said.
Abayomi noted that public understanding of the disease is essential to preventing panic, misinformation and stigma.
He explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already symptomatic, and not through casual contact.
“As Nigeria’s commercial capital and a major regional transport hub, Lagos maintains extensive air, land and maritime connections with the rest of Africa and the world,” he said.
The commissioner disclosed that state and federal authorities are collaborating with aviation, maritime and border health agencies to strengthen screening and surveillance at entry points.
The Ministry of Health plans to intensify awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces and communities, focusing on symptoms, prevention and emergency reporting channels.
Travellers returning from affected countries who develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to contact emergency lines 112 or 767 immediately.
About the Author
Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
