By Chioma Obinna Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Monday called for sustained investment in disease surveillance, healthcare infrastructure and emergency preparedness to protect Nigerians from future public health threats even as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, warned that frontline doctors will determine whether the country prevents another Ebola outbreak. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State Branch, Sanwo-Olu said the lessons from the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases underscore the need for stronger collaboration, scientific innovation and continuous investment in the health sector.
“As a medical doctor, I truly appreciate the enormous responsibility placed on healthcare professionals. Beyond treating illnesses, they are educators, researchers, counsellors, innovators, family members and often the first line of defence during national emergencies. “Our healthcare workers deserve not only our gratitude but continuous investment in their welfare, professional development and a conducive working environment,” she said.
The First Lady reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, human capital development, digital health innovations, disease surveillance and emergency response systems under the THEMES+ development agenda. “It is through collaboration between government, healthcare professionals, research institutions, development partners, the private sector and communities that we can build a healthier, safer and more resilient society,” she added. Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr.
Jide Idris, warned that Nigeria cannot afford complacency despite its successful containment of Ebola in 2014, saying the country remains vulnerable because of increasing international travel and the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Olukitan Jinadu, Idris said although Nigeria has strengthened its preparedness, the country’s greatest defence remains the vigilance of frontline health workers. “The truth is, no country can guarantee that an infected traveller will never cross its borders.
The person may travel during the incubation period before any symptoms appear.
Summary from source