The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Ekiti State Branch, has called on the Ekiti State Government to heighten surveillance and strengthen preparedness against a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, even as it disclosed that the state currently has no confirmed case of the disease.
The newly elected chairman of the association, Dr. Mustapha Raji made the call in Ado Ekiti while addressing newsmen on the communiqué issued at the end of its 2026 Annual General Meeting.
The NMA Chairman said ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa required heightened vigilance and sustained preparedness, stressing that Ekiti must not wait for a confirmed case before strengthening its response mechanisms.
It urged the state government, through the Ministry of Health and Human Services, to strengthen disease surveillance, Rapid Response Teams, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control measures, Emergency Operations Centres and public health communication.
According to the NMA Chairman, healthcare professionals must remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspected viral haemorrhagic fever cases, strictly adhering to infection prevention measures and supporting disease surveillance activities.
Beyond disease preparedness, the NMA raised concerns over the growing insecurity affecting healthcare delivery across the country.
It described the increasing incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, communal conflicts, cyber threats, disease outbreaks and climate-related emergencies as major threats to healthcare workers and the health system.
Dr. Raji noted that healthcare security should be treated as a national security priority, noting that attacks on healthcare workers and facilities have contributed to shortages of health personnel, disruption of services and migration of skilled professionals.
On welfare, Dr. Raji commended the Ekiti State Government for approving Accoutrement Allowance and Professional Allowance for doctors at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, Ado-Ekiti.
He, however, urged the government to implement the approved Professional Allowance at EKSUTH and extend the Accoutrement and Professional Allowances to doctors in primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state in the interest of pay parity.
He also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what he described as workers-friendly policies and continued investment in the health sector.
The NMA Chairman pledged to continue advocating improved welfare for doctors, quality healthcare delivery, professional development, research, evidence-based policy and stronger collaboration among government agencies, healthcare institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The week-long AGM featured a scientific conference, indoor games, thanksgiving service, football competition, business meeting, social activities and professional engagements.
