The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have sensitised transport workers in Kaduna on Ebola prevention, symptom identification and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The exercise, held on Thursday at Television Motor Park and Rigasa Train Station, targeted two major entry points for travellers from Abuja to Kaduna.
Halima Suleiman, Head of Operations, NEMA Kaduna Operations Office, urged drivers and station officials to stay vigilant and report passengers showing Ebola-related symptoms.
She said the sensitisation was necessary because transport workers frequently interact with travellers from different parts of the country.
“At this time, our most important message is to remain calm, remain vigilant and follow official health advice. There is no need for panic,” Suleiman said.
She also urged transport operators to keep accurate passenger manifests and secure them to facilitate contact tracing if cases are confirmed.
Aminu Aliyu, branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kaduna State Branch, said the campaign aimed to educate transport workers on Ebola symptoms and preventive measures.
Aliyu listed high fever, headache, body pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding among symptoms requiring urgent medical attention.
He advised drivers to notify the relevant authorities promptly if they encountered passengers showing such symptoms.
Aliyu said the exercise also aimed to counter misinformation, promote preparedness and prevent unnecessary public panic.
John Sanda, Chairman of Television Motor Park, said the sensitisation had helped drivers understand the need to identify possible symptoms and observe preventive measures.
Sanda said drivers had been given contact details for reporting suspected cases and would alert the relevant authorities whenever they noticed symptoms of concern.
Adamu Abu, Manager of Rigasa Train Station, said the exercise was important in educating railway workers on Ebola prevention and the need to report suspected cases promptly.
Represented by Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Manager, he urged station officials to remain vigilant, observe recommended safety precautions and cooperate with relevant authorities in reporting suspected cases.
The stakeholders urged transport workers to follow official health guidance and promptly report suspected cases to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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