World Health Organisation declares Nigeria ebola-free after evacuation of lone patient

NIGERIA has been declared free of the ebola virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after the evacuation of the nation's sole affected patient and her husband to Switzerland for treatment.

Earlier this month, there were fears that Nigeria could become the location of a fresh ebola outbreak after a patient contracted the disease. However, according to Professor Mohamed Janabi, the WHO's regional director for Africa, the outbreak has now been totally contained after the patient and her spouse were evacuated.

Professor Janabi quoted Nigeria's coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Ali Pate who had confirmed the departure of the Swiss patient and spouse via an air ambulance earlier today. He said both were Swiss citizens, adding that the patient was clinically stable following treatment by Nigerian medical personnel.               

“The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition,” Professor Janabi said. He congratulated the Nigerian federal government, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners involved in the response.

Professor Janabi added: “On behalf of WHO and all partners, I warmly congratulate the government of Nigeria, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and all those involved in the response. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to what Africa can accomplish when we work together.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases. Congratulations once again to everyone involved. This is a proud moment demonstrating African expertise, resilience, and leadership in public health.”

He, however, stressed the need for continued vigilance, noting that Nigeria would maintain close follow-up of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the continued management of the patient and the monitoring of her husband, identified as contact number 53.