The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members across the country to urgently strengthen hospital preparedness for Ebola, ensure the availability of protective equipment and improve training on infection prevention and control....
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members across the country to urgently strengthen hospital preparedness for Ebola, ensure the availability of protective equipment and improve training on infection prevention and control.
The directive follows the confirmation of Ebola disease in Nigeria by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on October 20, 2026.
In a circular dated October 26, 2026, and addressed to all centre presidents, NARD said resident doctors were particularly vulnerable to occupational exposure because they often handle patients presenting with undiagnosed febrile illnesses.
The association directed its centre presidents to engage hospital management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committees to review institutional readiness for the early identification, isolation and safe referral of suspected Ebola cases.
It also instructed them to verify the availability and accessibility of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in Accident and Emergency, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments.
NARD further called for immediate training and sensitisation of resident doctors on current NCDC case definitions, infection prevention measures, the proper use of PPE and procedures for reporting occupational exposure.
The association directed its members to familiarise themselves with hospital reporting channels, designated Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, and established isolation and referral pathways to ensure suspected cases are promptly reported.
As part of the preparedness measures, each centre is required to nominate an Ebola Preparedness Focal Person to coordinate with the NARD National Secretariat and relevant institutional authorities.
The centre presidents are also expected to submit preliminary reports on their hospitals’ level of preparedness within 72 hours of receiving the directive.
The reports must outline available protective equipment, existing preparedness gaps and areas requiring urgent intervention.
NARD warned that concerns involving inadequate PPE, unsafe deployment of doctors or occupational exposure should be promptly escalated to the National Secretariat while corrective measures are pursued.
The association said its National Officers’ Committee would engage the NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate coordinated training and strengthen occupational protection for resident doctors.
It stressed that the commitment of doctors to saving lives must be matched by an equally strong commitment from government and hospital authorities to protecting healthcare workers.
The association urged its members to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary panic, share only verified public health information and maintain close collaboration with relevant health authorities.
The circular was signed by NARD President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, and Secretary-General, Dr Besongngem Akotanchi.