The Lagos State Government has urged residents of Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe to remain alert and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, as part of efforts to safeguard public health.

A statement issued by the Lagos state government quoted the Permanent Secretary of Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, as saying residents should remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease.

According to Adeleke, Ebola Virus Disease is caused by Ebola viruses and can result in severe illness and death if not detected and managed promptly.

She explained that Health District III has intensified community sensitisation programmes aimed at reducing the risk of infection and protecting residents across the affected areas.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the disease spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit and other bodily fluids of infected persons or animals.

To prevent transmission, she advised residents to avoid contact with sick persons, dead bodies and wild animals such as bats and monkeys. She also urged members of the public to maintain proper personal hygiene, make regular use of hand sanitisers and avoid eating undercooked meat.

Adeleke stressed the importance of public awareness and adherence to safety measures, noting that prevention remains the most effective way to curb the spread of the disease.

“Although there is no confirmed Ebola outbreak in Nigeria at this time, vigilance, prompt reporting, adherence to infection prevention measures, and community awareness remain essential to protecting lives and preventing the spread of the disease. As such, Health District III is working with relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance, public awareness, and emergency preparedness across Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, and Epe,” she said.

Medical doctors have raised alarm that the country’s healthcare system is facing a dangerous manpower crisis, with only about 55,000 doctors left to serve a population of more than 220 million people.

They raised the alarm at the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, FNPH, Yaba, Lagos, with the theme, “Too Few Doctors, Too Many Patients: The Consequences of Manpower Shortage on the Mental Well-being of Nigerians.”

The doctors, among whom are mental experts, also said the present situation is worsening access to psychiatric care and leaving millions of vulnerable Nigerians untreated.

The doctors also said no fewer than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have emigrated in the last five years, worsening an already dire manpower shortage in the country’s health sector.

They warned that the sustained exodus of healthcare workers under the “Japa” syndrome had severely depleted the country’s mental health workforce, widened treatment gaps, increased the cost of care and placed enormous pressure on the few specialists remaining in the system.

Report quoted the President of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Prof Omoti Ernest, as declaring that recent data showed that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, had registered over 130,000 doctors but noted only about 55,000 are actively practicing within Nigeria.

He said with a population exceeding 220 million, this translated to roughly one doctor for every 3,600 to 4,000 people.

“This ratio is far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended threshold of one doctor to about 600 people, highlighting the significant shortage of medical personnel and the strain on healthcare delivery.

“Many Nigerian-trained doctors have emigrated or are no longer engaged in active clinical practice, contributing to the country’s healthcare workforce shortage,” the NMA President said.

He said the emigration of skilled professionals in search of better opportunities abroad has had a significant impact on Nigeria’s hospitals and healthcare workforce.

He said further: “Thousands of doctors and other healthcare professionals have left the country in recent years, leading to severe staff shortages, increased workload for those who remain with many suffering from burnout, longer waiting times for patients, and declining quality of care in many public hospitals.

“Rural and under-served communities have been particularly affected, as they already struggle with limited access to healthcare services.

‘’The reasons behind this migration include poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, limited opportunities for career advancement, and insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure, among others.

“Many professionals are attracted by better pay, improved facilities, and more stable environments in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.”

To address the trend, he said the Federal Government should prioritise salaries and welfare packages for healthcare workers, invest more in modern medical equipment and hospital infrastructure, expand residency and specialist training opportunities, and create clear career progression pathways.

Omoti said: “Strengthening security, ensuring timely payment of wages, and providing incentives for professionals to work in under-served areas will also help retain talent.

‘’In addition, partnerships with the private sector and diaspora engagement programmes could encourage Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad to contribute their expertise and support development of the country’s healthcare system.”

The Edo state government has ordered the immediate closure of three secondary schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area following intelligence reports of a kidnap threat against students.

The directive, contained in a circular issued by the State Ministry of Education and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mr Enodolomwanyi Otamere, said the affected schools were Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.

The circular dated June 9 was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin.

NAN reports that the closure came against the backdrop of a security intelligence report by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The reports in a memo dated June 5, and sighted by NAN, warned of an alleged plan by suspected bandits to carry out a mass abduction of school children in Edo North Senatorial District.

According to the intelligence memo addressed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the DSS intercepted communications between two suspected bandits.

The two suspects allegedly discussed targeting school children after earlier attempts to kidnap wealthy individuals failed to yield expected financial gains.

The report indicates that the suspects believed abducting students will attract greater government attention and increase their chances of securing substantial ransom payments and other concessions.

The memo further revealed that a 25-year-old suspect was arrested on June 4 while allegedly conducting surveillance around Makeke Secondary School in the Makeke community, one of the schools subsequently shut by the government.

According to the document, the suspect’s activities heightened fears that preparations for the planned operation may already have been underway.

In response to the threat, the security agency advised authorities to strengthen protection around schools and educational institutions across the state, particularly in Edo North.

Meanwhile in the memo directing the closure of the schools, the permanent secretary said that the decision followed security advisories from relevant agencies warning of threats to the safety of students, teachers and surrounding communities.

“The Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of the Akoko Edo Local Government Area,” he said.

He added that all academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools had been suspended until further notice as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Otamare said that in spite of the closure, candidates currently sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue to have access to examination centres under strict security arrangements.

“Candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders,” he said.

He directed school principals to ensure the orderly release of students to their parents and guardians, secure school facilities and maintain close communication with government authorities and security agencies.

He also urged parents and residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to neutralise the threat and restore normal academic activities. (NAN)