Ebola 3 years later: Are we ready for the next epidemic?

Three years after the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Nigeria, the country continues to grapple with the challenges of epidemic preparedness. The government and health agencies have made strides in implementing control mechanisms, but there are still vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Niniola Soleye, Managing Director of the Dr. Stella Adadevoh Trust, and Dr. Glenn Gaulton, Vice Dean and Director at the Center for Global Health, shed light on the current state of preparedness and the importance of collaboration in enhancing health security in the region. Soleye highlighted Nigeria's vulnerability due to its large population and porous borders, emphasizing the need for robust surveillance and response systems. Gaulton echoed these concerns, noting the importance of early detection and containment of infectious diseases like Ebola. He praised the dedicated healthcare facilities in Nigeria but raised concerns about the readiness of frontline hospitals and community clinics to handle potential outbreaks. The economic impact of past epidemics in West Africa was devastating, prompting calls for increased external support to assist countries in building resilient healthcare systems. Both Soleye and Gaulton emphasized the need for global cooperation in addressing health security threats, underscoring the interconnected nature of disease outbreaks. The Dr. Stella Adadevoh Trust is working to strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system through training programs and community engagement initiatives. Similarly, the Center for Global Health is collaborating with partners worldwide to tackle infectious diseases and improve healthcare delivery. Both organizations stress the importance of proactive measures such as policy development, training, and infrastructure upgrades to enhance epidemic preparedness. In a region where borders are porous and surveillance is a challenge, stakeholders are urged to play a proactive role in supporting government efforts. Soleye called for a clear strategy on intervention points and highlighted the role of private sector engagement in health security. Gaulton emphasized the importance of individual health awareness and hygiene practices in preventing disease transmission. The interview concluded with a call to action for collaborative partnerships and collective responsibility in mitigating health risks. As Nigeria reflects on the lessons learned from past epidemics, the focus is on building a resilient health system that can effectively respond to future challenges. With the continued efforts of stakeholders and the support of the global community, Nigeria is taking steps towards enhancing epidemic preparedness and ensuring the health security of its population.