FAAN, Lagos Health Authorities Strengthen Ebola Surveillance At MMIA To Prevent Disease Importation

FAAN, Lagos Health Authorities Strengthen Ebola Surveillance at MMIA to Prevent Disease Importation The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and Port Health Services, has intensified Ebola Virus Disease EVD surveillance and screening measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport MMIA, Lagos, as part of efforts to prevent the importation of the disease into Nigeria. The move comes amid renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of Central and East Africa, prompting heightened vigilance at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.According to health and aviation authorities, the renewed strategy focuses on stricter passenger profiling, enhanced screening procedures, and improved coordination among agencies responsible for border health security. Officials carried out a high-level inspection of MMIA facilities to assess preparedness levels and ensure that existing infection prevention and control systems remain effective in detecting and responding to potential Ebola cases. The exercise brought together key stakeholders from FAAN, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Port Health Services, and aviation regulatory agencies. Speaking during the inspection, Lagos State health officials stressed the importance of early detection and rapid response in preventing the spread of infectious diseases through international travel routes. They noted that MMIA, which handles a significant proportion of Nigeria’s international passenger traffic, remains a critical point of entry requiring strict monitoring and continuous upgrades to its public health systems. Officials also highlighted the need to reduce unnecessary contact between passengers arriving from high-risk countries and other travellers, while maintaining smooth airport operations. FAAN officials reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public health at Nigeria’s airports, stating that enhanced screening technologies, staff training, and updated emergency response protocols have been deployed. They also confirmed that coordination with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA and health agencies has been strengthened to ensure swift communication and action in the event of suspected cases. Port Health Services officers disclosed that emergency response plans have been reviewed and updated in line with international health regulations. They added that risk assessments have been conducted to identify passengers arriving from high-risk regions, with structured screening forms and monitoring systems already in place. Officials further noted that airline operators are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with health protocols before passengers are cleared for entry into Nigeria.Lagos State health authorities assured residents that Nigeria remains on alert but not alarmed, emphasizing that proactive surveillance is key to preventing outbreaks. They reiterated that lessons from past Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks have strengthened Nigeria’s preparedness and inter-agency collaboration at all points of entry. Authorities urged continued vigilance, stating that protecting the country from imported diseases requires sustained cooperation between federal and state agencies, airport authorities, and frontline health workers.