The Ekiti State Government has assured residents that the state’s healthcare system remains alert and adequately prepared to respond quickly to any emerging public health threat.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr Bosede Alowooye, reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting residents through proactive, evidence-based measures aimed at strengthening preparedness and response capacity.
According to a statement issued by the state Ministry of Health in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, Alowooye spoke during a two-day refresher training and simulation exercise organised for case managers and other healthcare workers at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti.
She noted that although no Ebola case had been recorded in the state, the government had intensified preparedness efforts in response to the recurrence of Ebola Virus Disease outbreaks in some parts of Africa.
Alowooye explained that the increase in cross-border movement further underscored the need for continued surveillance and readiness.
“The exercise was designed to test and enhance the state’s capacity for early detection, isolation, safe management and referral of suspected EVD cases. The training combined classroom lectures with practical simulation of the management of a suspected EVD case presenting at a health facility.
“Participants were trained on EVD epidemiology and case definition, early detection and notification protocols, infection prevention and control (IPC), standard precautions, proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental safety and coordination mechanisms.
“These are critical measures for preventing nosocomial transmission and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to suspected cases,” she said.
She added that the state Ministry of Health supplied complete PPE kits for the practical exercises and made an ambulance available to demonstrate procedures for the safe transportation and referral of suspected cases.
Alowooye said, “The state government is committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents through proactive and evidence-based preparedness activities. We can assure residents that the health system is vigilant and prepared to respond promptly to any public health threat.”
A facilitator at the exercise, Dr Olumuyiwa Ariyo, said the training demonstrated strong commitment among participants and showed improvements in their practical skills.
Ariyo said, “Regular simulation exercises in complementing theoretical knowledge as well as the need for continuous availability of PPE and IPC commodities are important”.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining effective communication channels and clearly assigning responsibilities during public health emergencies.
Participants and other stakeholders recommended that refresher courses and simulation exercises should be conducted regularly across healthcare facilities in the state.
They also called for adequate stockpiling of PPE and IPC supplies, as well as ensuring that standard operating procedures and emergency response guidelines remain easily accessible to health workers.
Additional recommendations included improving the state’s ambulance and referral system and maintaining collaboration between the Ministry of Health and tertiary healthcare institutions to periodically evaluate the state’s level of preparedness.
Participants were drawn from Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, Ado Ekiti; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti; Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti; Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti; and Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
The exercise also involved case managers, infection prevention and control focal persons, clinicians, nurses, laboratory scientists and emergency response personnel from the State Ministry of Health and Human Services.
The participants commended the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, for facilitating the training and continuing to invest in strengthening the state’s healthcare system and other public health initiatives.
