The state’s Director of Public Health, Dr Sadique Abubakar, disclosed the measures during an interview with PUNCH Online on Wednesday after a meeting to assess the Ebola situation and identify additional steps needed to protect residents.

Abubakar said the Ministry of Health was working to improve the preparedness of healthcare facilities while expanding public awareness of Ebola prevention and infection prevention and control practices.

He explained that the state was developing educational messages to inform residents about the disease, how it spreads and the precautions they should observe. The planned campaign will use several communication channels, including radio and television, with media organisations expected to play a key role in reaching communities.

The state government is also planning sensitisation activities at busy transport locations, including motor parks and railway stations, to reach travellers and other members of the public.

According to Abubakar, the ministry intends to issue a public health advisory outlining relevant precautions and providing residents with reliable information about the disease. He added that the government would continue reviewing its preparedness plans and announce further measures as necessary.

The renewed preparations come as Nigeria responds to a confirmed imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory. The Federal Government announced on October 20 that a woman with a recent travel history to East Africa had tested positive for the disease and was receiving treatment in isolation. Authorities had identified 44 close contacts for monitoring as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had previously urged states to strengthen their ability to identify suspected cases quickly, isolate patients when necessary, protect healthcare workers and prepare for contact tracing. Its preparedness guidance also identifies Kaduna among states requiring a moderate level of readiness based on assessed importation risks.

Although Kaduna’s reported measures are precautionary, the developments highlight the importance of early detection and coordinated public health action. Health authorities have emphasised that preparedness must include both healthcare facilities and communities, particularly in locations with significant movement of people.

Residents are encouraged to rely on official health advisories, maintain good hand hygiene and promptly seek guidance from health professionals if they suspect exposure to Ebola. Public communication and timely reporting remain important parts of efforts to limit the spread of infectious diseases.

The Kaduna government said it would continue strengthening preparedness and public sensitisation as part of its wider efforts to protect residents against potential public health emergencies.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media