Senate Calls for Mandatory Health Screening to Prevent Ebola in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to make health screening mandatory for all international travelers arriving at airports, seaports, and designated land borders. This decision follows a recent case of Ebola in a female patient who traveled from Uganda to Abuja.

The Senate’s resolution includes requiring travelers to fill out a Health Declaration Form, undergo temperature checks, and be screened for symptoms. Enhanced screening will be necessary for anyone who has been in or traveled through affected areas within the past 21 days.

Senators also called for emergency funds to be released to health agencies to help control the disease. They want trained Port Health officers stationed at all entry points, equipped with thermal scanners, protective gear, and isolation rooms. Additionally, they emphasized the need for isolation and treatment centers to be prepared in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This motion was prompted by a report of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already resulted in thousands of confirmed cases and deaths. The Senate noted that the risk of Ebola entering Nigeria is high, especially since a similar situation occurred in 2014 when a single traveler brought the virus into the country.

Furthermore, the Senate rejected a proposal for lawmakers to visit entry points for a firsthand assessment. Instead, they tasked the Committee on Legislative Compliance with ensuring that these health measures are implemented effectively.

Senators are also advocating for the Quarantine Act of 1926 to be updated to reflect modern public health needs. They are urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and to use hand sanitizers in public spaces.