The Sokoto State Government has assured residents that the state remains at low risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), saying it has reactivated response mechanisms at all levels. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Abubakar-Wurno, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Sokoto while addressing newsmen after a stakeholders’ meeting on the state’s Ebola preparedness measures.
He said there was no cause for alarm, as the government had strengthened surveillance and preparedness measures to respond to any eventuality.
According to him, the meeting brought together stakeholders responsible for public health, case management and public awareness to review and strengthen the state’s preparedness.
“I want to inform you that Sokoto is a low-risk state as declared by the NCDC. There is no cause for alarm,” the commissioner said.
He explained that although Sokoto had two major points of entry, the Illela border and Sultan Abubakar III Airport, which currently operates domestic flights only, the state had placed its surveillance system on high alert.
“We have a very, very good surveillance system and our epidemiologists are also active. We have put all of them on alert so that in case of any alert, we are able to switch into action.
“The level of readiness is intact and ready for any eventuality,” he stated.
The commissioner said the state’s Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), located in Amanawa, was fully prepared for isolation and case management if required.
“Our Infectious Disease Hospital is ready. We have prepared it for isolation where there is a need.
“The hospital is prepared with all the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and all that. The Medical Director of the hospital was also in attendance, and he gave us details that the IDH is fully prepared.
“It was built by the State Government and is equipped with every system that is required,” he said.
Abubakar-Wurno emphasised that the state’s surveillance system was operational and that all necessary preparations were in place to respond to any eventuality.
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