The Lagos State Government has launched a statewide emergency public awareness campaign, dubbed "Operation Lagos BioShield," to strengthen disease surveillance and prevent the possible importation of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the state.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced the initiative on Sunday, stressing that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria.
According to him, the campaign is a proactive measure designed to boost public awareness, preparedness and prevention efforts following recent outbreaks of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
"This campaign is not a response to a crisis. It is a proactive measure to strengthen public awareness, preparedness and prevention," Abayomi said.
The commissioner noted that the Bundibugyo strain has no widely available licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, making prevention and early detection critical.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, emphasizing that Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids or contaminated materials of an infected person who is already showing symptoms.
"Prevention, early detection, rapid isolation and supportive medical care remain our most effective tools," he said.
Abayomi added that increased public understanding of the disease would help reduce panic, combat misinformation and prevent stigma.
The state government said the BioShield campaign forms part of its broader efforts to ensure Lagos remains prepared against potential public health threats.
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