Kano tests health workers’ readiness for Ebola outbreak

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) recently conducted a simulation exercise to evaluate the state's preparedness for a potential Ebola outbreak, according to Director-General Prof. Muhammad Abbas. The exercise aimed to prepare health workers for a possible emergency scenario, involving identification, transportation, and isolation of a suspected patient.

Abbas explained that the simulation covered procedures from arrival at the airport or border, through transportation to the Yar Gaya Isolation Centre. The KNCDC director emphasized the importance of regular training to prevent confusion among personnel unfamiliar with procedures during outbreaks. The state government, led by Governor Abba Yusuf, has been proactive in taking preventive measures, following guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Governor Yusuf urged residents to maintain good hygiene, especially washing hands with soap and running water, to prevent the spread of diseases. The Kano Commissioner for Health, Dr Labaran Yusuf, highlighted that the government has strengthened surveillance at entry points, including the international airport, bus stations, major highways, and state borders.

Health workers have already received training to handle suspected Ebola cases and other public health emergencies. Yusuf assured the public that the government would continue monitoring health threats and improving emergency response measures to protect the population from infectious diseases.