The Ekiti State Government has intensified preparations for a possible Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, training health workers and conducting a simulation exercise to test the state's ability to detect, isolate and safely manage suspected cases.
Although no case of Ebola has been recorded in the state, the government said it was strengthening surveillance and emergency response systems in view of the resurgence of outbreaks in parts of Africa and increased cross-border movement.
The State Epidemiologist, Bosede Alowooye, disclosed this during a two-day refresher training and simulation exercise for case managers and other health personnel held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti.
The exercise, according to the state Ministry of Health, was designed to assess and improve the capacity of healthcare workers to respond effectively from the point a suspected case arrives at a health facility through isolation, management and referral.
Alowooye said the absence of a confirmed case in Ekiti did not eliminate the need for preparedness, particularly as increased movement of people across borders could heighten the risk of infectious diseases spreading between countries and communities.
She said the state was therefore adopting a proactive approach by strengthening surveillance and ensuring that health personnel understood the procedures required to respond to a suspected case.
Simulation tests emergency response
The training combined classroom-based sessions with a practical simulation involving the management of a suspected Ebola case presenting at a healthcare facility.
Participants received training on Ebola epidemiology and case definitions, early detection and notification procedures, infection prevention and control, standard precautions, environmental safety and coordination during emergencies.
They were also trained on the correct procedures for putting on and removing personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as donning and doffing.
Alowooye said the procedures were essential to protecting health workers and preventing the spread of infection within healthcare facilities.
“Participants were trained on EVD epidemiology and case definition, early detection and notification protocols, infection prevention and control, standard precautions, proper donning and doffing of personal protective equipment, environmental safety and coordination mechanisms.
“These are critical measures for preventing nosocomial transmission and ensuring a coordinated and effective response to suspected cases,” she said.
For the practical component of the exercise, the Ministry of Health provided complete personal protective equipment kits and deployed a standby ambulance to demonstrate procedures for the safe transportation and referral of suspected patients.
The simulation was intended to expose participants to the practical demands of managing a high-risk infectious disease case while identifying gaps that could affect the state's emergency response.
Government assures residents
The epidemiologist said the exercise formed part of the government's broader investment in preparedness and public health system strengthening.
She assured residents that the state was monitoring potential public health threats and working to ensure that its health facilities and personnel could respond promptly when necessary.
“The state government is committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents through proactive and evidence-based preparedness activities. We can assure residents that the health system is vigilant and prepared to respond promptly to any public health threat.”
The assurance comes as health authorities continue to monitor Ebola and other infectious diseases amid concerns about cross-border transmission and the movement of people between countries.
Experts call for regular simulations
A facilitator at the exercise, Olumuyiwa Ariyo, said the practical exercise showed a high level of commitment among participants and improvements in their ability to apply the knowledge acquired during training.
According to him, simulation exercises are important because theoretical training alone may not adequately prepare healthcare workers for the pressure and coordination required during an actual public health emergency.
Ariyo called for regular simulation exercises across health facilities, alongside continuous availability of personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control commodities.
He also stressed the need for clearly defined communication channels, roles and responsibilities so that health agencies and healthcare institutions can coordinate effectively during emergencies.
Among the recommendations arising from the exercise were regular refresher training and simulation exercises across health facilities, adequate stockpiling of PPE and infection prevention and control materials, and ensuring that standard operating procedures and emergency protocols remain readily available to health workers.
Stakeholders also recommended strengthening the state's ambulance and referral system and maintaining collaboration between the Ministry of Health and tertiary health institutions to periodically assess emergency preparedness.
Health facilities participate
Participants in the exercise were drawn from several major healthcare institutions across Ekiti State.
They included personnel from Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital, Ado Ekiti; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti; Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti; Federal Medical Centre, Ikole Ekiti; and Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
Case managers, infection prevention and control focal persons, clinicians, nurses, laboratory scientists and emergency response personnel from the state Ministry of Health and Human Services also participated.
The participants commended the ministry, under the leadership of Commissioner for Health, Oyebanji Filani, for organising the exercise and sustaining investments in health system strengthening and other public health interventions.
The state government said the preparedness activities were intended to ensure that, should a suspected Ebola case emerge, health workers would be able to identify it early, institute appropriate infection-control measures, isolate the patient and arrange safe referral without putting other patients, healthcare workers or the wider community at unnecessary risk.