The House of Representatives has called for the immediate release of outstanding funds approved for health agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness and response to Ebola following the confirmation of a case in Abuja.
The lawmakers also urged the government to place federal, state and private health agencies on high alert to prevent further transmission of the disease.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Abia lawmaker Amobi Ogah, who warned that delays in detecting suspected cases, testing, isolation and contact tracing could increase the risk of transmission and put additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The House expressed concern that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention supplies and gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness could undermine containment efforts.
It urged the Ministry of Finance to release the outstanding funds without delay to support surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing and other emergency response measures.
The lawmakers also directed the House Committee on Infectious Diseases to engage relevant ministries and health agencies for updates on the outbreak and report back for further legislative action.
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