HOUSE URGES FG TO PLACE HEALTH AGENCIES ON HIGH ALERT OVER EBOLA
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to place public and private health agencies across the country on high alert to prevent and contain a possible Ebola outbreak.
The lawmakers made the call following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Ogah warned that inadequate public awareness, shortages of infection prevention supplies and gaps in healthcare workers’ preparedness could undermine efforts to prevent and contain the virus.
The House also urged the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health agencies to improve preparedness and ensure an effective response to any potential outbreak.
It further called on the Ministry of Finance to release outstanding approved funds for relevant health agencies to strengthen the country’s readiness.
The motion was referred to the relevant House committees for further legislative action.