Ebola: Rivers expresses concern about closure of treatment centres

Ebola: Rivers expresses concern about closure of treatment centres

Rivers State Commissioner for Health Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Parker has expressed concern about the closure of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) treatment centres.
He said it is not yet time for celebration, rather the country needs to strengthen its preparedness to tackle another outbreak.
Parker said as long as sister countries are still being ravaged by the scourge, Nigeria cannot celebrate the containment of the virus.
He urged adequate budgeting for EVD by the government
The commissioner hailed health workers, who have volunteered to go to the affected neighbouring countries to assist in curbing the spread of the virus.
He stressed that the best way to deal with the disease is to go to those countries and assist in curbing its spread, rather than staying in Nigeria and allowing it to be brought to the country again.
Parker said: “Some persons are talking about developing research and treatment. While it is all right for that to go on, we need to strengthen our preparedness for another outbreak.
“What has happened so far, to me, is just a warning. We must not forget that we have Nigerians living in the affected countries. The festive period is approaching. Many Nigerians will return home for the Yuletide.
“I am sad that these treatment centres are not growing, that is the word to use. They should be growing. Some of them are being closed down, probably to be reopened when there is another emergency. We need to be on the alert. We need to increase our alertness. While we are educating the people to be hygienic, we need to be ready for an emergency.”
He said epidemic management is on the exclusive list of the Federal Government.
“So, the Federal Ministry of Health must come in, not only to maintain these treatment centres, but also to develop other ones.”
‘Nigeria to try three drugs’
Nigeria has narrowed its research for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) treatment to three trial drugs. At a meeting, it was agreed that the Treatment Research Group (TRG) on Ebola would review the Chinese vaccine, drugs, the Canadian and Recombinant Vesicular stomatitis. TRG, according to the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, received 32 treatment claims. The minister spoke at the opening of the high level experts meeting on treatment and research for Ebola virus disease and other emerging infections. He said TRG has been working to fast-track research work on finding possible drugs and vaccines for EVD. Chukwu said the focus is on treatment, hence the meeting. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Ruiz Vaz, said Nigeria still has to wait for the completion of the 42 days follow-up period, which will elapse on October 20, to be declared Ebola free. This, he said, is on the condition that no new case is recorded.