Nigerian Government has directed agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, to immediately scale up public education and enlightenment on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
This followed confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Tuesday.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who gave the directive, ordered the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as a Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), to ensure that all public messaging is verified and evidence-based.
The minister in a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, his Special Assistant (Media), particularly tasked the NOA to deploy its offices nationwide for grassroots sensitisation, and to work closely with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media to this effect.
He assured that the ministry would strengthen engagement with broadcast media organisations, including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), to expand public sensitisation on Ebola prevention and containment.
“The collaboration will support the dissemination of verified health information, the production and airing of public enlightenment jingles, and the development of information, education and communication materials in Nigerian languages to reach communities across the country,” Alhaji Idris stated.
He however urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely only on information from official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media.
“The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians.
“Accurate and timely information is one of our strongest defences.
“Our agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases,” the minister assured.
He called on members of the public to report any suspected case immediately by calling the NCDC’s toll-free 24-hour emergency line, 6232.
The NCDC recently confirmed an index case of a woman who recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda .
The woman is said to have been in isolation and receiving treatment, while her contacts have been identified and are being followed up by the health authorities.
