Nigeria has announced that it has reached an 80 percent readiness level in Risk Communication, Community Engagement (RCCE) and Infodemic Management regarding Ebola, despite having no active cases. Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), announced this during a recent preparedness webinar.
Dr. Idris emphasized that the nation’s strategy prioritizes proactive measures over reactive ones. By strengthening border surveillance, protecting medical staff, and delivering reliable public health information, the country aims to prevent an outbreak before it begins. The NCDC recently conducted a national assessment across treatment centers to evaluate existing infrastructure and determine where further investment is required.
According to the D-G, maintaining public trust is as vital as clinical preparedness. Through extensive social listening, health authorities have observed increased public awareness, particularly near border regions where residents are concerned about cross-border transmission. In response to rising misinformation and false claims regarding Ebola cases in Nigeria, the NCDC has deployed fact-checking resources and public health advisories.
While community sentiment remains largely stable, Dr. Idris acknowledged the persistence of conspiracy theories and stigma online. The agency continues to monitor these trends to ensure that communication strategies are effective in dispelling myths and addressing the information needs of the public.
