Ebola Outbreak: Lagos Assesses Mainland Hospital For Emergency Response

The Lagos State Government has stepped up preparations to respond to any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following the expanding outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement via his X handle on Tuesday, September 1, after conducting a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), popularly known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

Abayomi said the inspection was part of efforts by the Ministry of Health to strengthen Lagos’ preparedness and ensure that critical facilities are ready for a rapid response to any high-consequence disease outbreak.

According to him, the assessment focused on the hospital’s critical infrastructure, diagnostic capacity and clinical support systems required for effective containment and response.

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He said the inspection was conducted alongside the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Adejumo, and other key members of staff.

Abayomi said officials inspected the Emergency Operations Center, laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, as well as ongoing external site works.

“We thoroughly inspected the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, and external site works to ensure seamless functionality during a high-consequence outbreak,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that immediate maintenance needs were identified in several critical sections of the hospital, including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering facilities and drainage networks.

He said the measures were necessary to maintain biosafety standards and ensure adequate patient care in the event of an outbreak.

Abayomi said the inspection was part of broader efforts to fortify the state’s health security system and improve its capacity to respond to emerging public health threats.

“The Ministry remains committed to fortifying Lagos State’s health security architecture and maintaining maximum operational readiness to safeguard public health,” he stated.