By Kassim Omomia
The House of Representatives has passed a resolution demanding the federal government to immediately mount surveillance at Nigeria’s boarder and entry points to curb any possible fresh Ebola outbreak.

The resolution which followed the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance, titled, “Urgent need to create immediate public awareness and preparedness to combat outbreak of Ebola Virus and to take measures to avoid same”, sponsored by Honorable Unyime Idem, representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom state, according to lawmakers, is aimed at  responding and curtailing any suspected outbreak of Ebola coming from already affected neighbouring countries like Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Debating the motion, the lawmakers called for an extended awareness campaign by the Federal Government, especially through the Federal Ministry of Information on the deadly virus.

IGP Partners AUGF to curb fraud in governance

Similarly, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Health to work with the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) and World Health Organisation on strategies to bring the Ebola outbreak under control and provide regular updates on preparedness, containment, and response measures, while the House Committee on Health should ensure compliance.

While considering the motion, the lawmakers drew attention to Nigeria’s index case by a Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, who flew from Liberia to Nigeria’s most populous city of Lagos on 20th July 2014 and reasoned that it was expedient to put the necessary machineries in place to stop any likely spread from neighbouring countries presently affected by the Ebola pandemic.