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Ebola: Abia Activates Containment Protocols, Approves Funds For Evacuation Of Stranded Citizens In South Africa
Ebola: Abia Activates Containment Protocols, Approves Funds For Evacuation Of Stranded Citizens In South Africa
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UMUAHIA — Abia State Government says it has put adequate measures and protocols in place to contain Ebola Virus Disease following confirmation of the index case in Nigeria.
Commissioner for Information, who briefed newsmen after the Executive Council meeting, said the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information participated in a meeting convened over the weekend by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to acquaint sub-nationals with Federal Government’s containment efforts.
He said the Ministry of Health in its Week 43 Advisory on Health issued control and preventive measures, noting Ebola can be serious and life-threatening but preventable. He advised residents not to panic but observe good hygiene and avoid large crowds as much as possible.
He added that the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information and Abia Orientation Agency will embark on joint sensitization campaign.
The Commissioner disclosed that Governor Alex Otti has approved the release of funds through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection for the evacuation and reintegration of Abians stranded following xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The approval covers cost of screening and airlifting of hundreds of stranded citizens, transportation of returnees to respective home destinations upon arrival in Nigeria, disbursement of ₦1 million each to 130 eligible returnees including self-funded returnees, in addition to earlier assistance to 31 returnees.
He disclosed that over 160 returnees will have received emergency support within next one or two months.
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Also approved is ₦2 million support for each family of deceased persons who died during violent attacks.
He said 100 returnees expected in country sometime in November. Ministry also coordinated reception of 12 returnees in three batches, including IOM-assisted returnees, and facilitated reunification with families in Aba, Umuahia, Ukwa and others. Ministry developing long-term reintegration plan to address livelihoods and economic empowerment.
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On gender-based violence, he said services have been provided to survivors, 17 cases currently in court, with two convictions secured in July, describing it as reinforcement of administration’s commitment to protection of vulnerable groups.
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