?Following the confirmation of a case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) the Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris has directed key media and information agencies under the ministry to immediately scale up public education and enlightenment nationwide.
?The affected agencies include 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).
?The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case earlier this week in a female traveller who recently returned to Abuja from Uganda. According to health officials the patient is currently in isolation receiving treatment while contact-tracing efforts are underway to monitor all exposed individuals.
?In a statement issued in Abuja the minister assured the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to containing the disease.
?’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’ Idris said. ‘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.’
?To ensure consistency Idris directed the agencies to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to disseminate verified evidence-based health information.
?He specifically tasked the NOA to deploy its grassroots personnel across the country to conduct community sensitisation campaigns in partnership with traditional rulers religious leaders community groups and local media organizations.
?Additionally the ministry is partnering with broadcast organizations including the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) to air public service jingles and produce Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials in major Nigerian languages.
?Urging calm the minister cautioned citizens against spreading unverified rumours on social media and advised the public to rely strictly on official channels for updates.
?Members of the public are urged to report any suspected cases immediately to the NCDC’s 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline at 6232.