By Olayiwola Ajisafe
The Lagos State Government has conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital, also known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba, as it works to ensure maximum operational readiness for any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease.
This was disclosed in a tweet by the state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, on Tuesday, via his X handle.
Abayomi stated that the move was necessary as the state Ministry of Health prepares “for any eventualities,” adding that during the assessment, several equipment and infrastructure were inspected to guarantee seamless functionality.
The tweet read, “In response to the expanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health (MoH) is preparing for any eventualities.
“In this regard, I conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), also known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba. Accompanied by the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adejumo, and other key staff, we assessed the critical infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities and clinical support systems required for rapid response and containment to ensure maximum operational readiness and surge capacity.
“We thoroughly inspected the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, and external site works to ensure seamless functionality during a high-consequence outbreak.
“We identified immediate maintenance needs across key operational sections including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering and drainage networks to maintain the highest standards of biosafety and patient care.”
The health commissioner stressed the ministry’s commitment to “fortifying Lagos State’s health security architecture and maintaining maximum operational readiness to safeguard public health.”
Since the EVD outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026, there have been more than 5,600 confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC, including more than 2,700 deaths.
Driven by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus — for which there are no vaccines or treatments — the outbreak is the biggest in the DRC’s history.
Last Thursday, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres appealed for $1.1 billion to fully fund an aid plan for combating the Ebola epidemic in the DRC.
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