Lagos Prepares for Potential Ebola Outbreak with New Advisory

Following the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in parts of East Africa, the Lagos Waste Management Authority has issued a precautionary advisory to all health facilities and medical waste handlers across the state. According to Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, the advisory aims to ensure that health facilities, medical waste handlers, transporters, and treatment operators remain vigilant and comply with infection prevention and medical waste management protocols. Although there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, Dr Gbadegesin emphasized that preparedness is key in disease prevention. 'Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention. We are therefore urging all health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols,' he said. The advisory directs health facilities to reinforce infection prevention measures, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical specimens, environmental decontamination, and strict segregation of infectious waste at source. Additionally, medical waste handlers and transporters are urged to adhere to approved collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal procedures for infectious waste and ensure the consistent use of protective equipment during operations. Dr Gbadegesin assured that LAWMA would continue to monitor compliance and engage stakeholders to maintain high standards of medical waste management across the state. He also urged health institutions to review their infection prevention protocols and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through appropriate channels. Lagos State remains on high alert and will continue to sustain surveillance, preparedness, and response measures to safeguard public health.