The Lagos State Government has intensified measures to strengthen its preparedness against a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), following a reported outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 1, after leading a strategic readiness assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, popularly known as Mainland Hospital.
Abayomi said the assessment was part of efforts by the Lagos State Ministry of Health to ensure that critical healthcare facilities were adequately prepared to respond swiftly to any high-consequence infectious disease outbreak.
According to him, the inspection focused on critical infrastructure, diagnostic capacity and clinical support systems needed for effective disease containment and response.
The commissioner, who conducted the assessment alongside the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Adejumo, and other senior officials, said the team inspected key facilities, including the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, as well as ongoing external site works.
He disclosed that immediate maintenance requirements were identified in several critical sections of the hospital, including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering facilities and drainage networks.
Abayomi stressed that addressing the identified gaps was essential to maintaining biosafety standards, strengthening infection prevention and control measures, and ensuring adequate patient care should an outbreak occur.
He added that the exercise formed part of the state government’s broader efforts to fortify Lagos’ health security architecture and enhance its capacity to detect, contain and respond effectively to emerging public health threats.
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