NIGERIA: LAWMA Issues Ebola Preparedness Advisory to Lagos Health Facilities

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers across Lagos State following reports of an Ebola virus outbreak in parts of East Africa.

The agency said the directive was aimed at strengthening infection prevention measures and ensuring strict compliance with medical waste management protocols across the state.

LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the advisory became necessary despite no confirmed cases in Nigeria.

He said: “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 medical waste management remains critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting healthcare workers and the public.

The advisory directed health institutions to reinforce hygiene standards, proper use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical specimens, and strict segregation of infectious waste at source.

LAWMA also urged waste handlers and transporters to adhere strictly to approved collection and disposal procedures, warning that compliance would be closely monitored.

Gbadegesin added that Lagos State remained on high alert and would continue surveillance and preparedness measures to safegua

rd public health.