The Lagos State Government has stepped up preparations for a possible Ebola Virus Disease outbreak by assessing the emergency response capacity of the Infectious Disease Hospital, Mainland Hospital, in Yaba.
The assessment was carried out as the state strengthens its preparedness following the worsening Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a post on his X account on Tuesday.
According to Abayomi, the inspection focused on critical facilities and systems needed to respond effectively to a high-consequence disease outbreak.
He said, “In response to the expanding Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health (MoH) is preparing for any eventualities.
“In this regard, I conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), also known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba. Accompanied by the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adejumo, and other key staff, we assessed the critical infrastructure, diagnostic capabilities and clinical support systems required for rapid response and containment to ensure maximum operational readiness and surge capacity.
“We thoroughly inspected the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, and external site works to ensure seamless functionality during a high-consequence outbreak.
“We identified immediate maintenance needs across key operational sections including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering and drainage networks to maintain the highest standards of biosafety and patient care.”
The commissioner said the exercise formed part of efforts to strengthen Lagos State’s capacity to protect residents and respond swiftly should the disease spread to the state.
Abayomi further stressed the ministry’s commitment to “fortifying Lagos State’s health security architecture and maintaining maximum operational readiness to safeguard public health.”
The assessment comes amid a major Ebola outbreak in the DRC, where more than 5,600 confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths have reportedly been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus, for which the report said there are currently no vaccines or treatments.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also appealed for $1.1bn last Thursday to support efforts to combat the epidemic and fully fund the humanitarian response in the DRC.
