Ebola outbreak: Lagos assesses Mainland Hospital’s readiness
The Lagos State Government has conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital, also known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba, as part of measures to strengthen the state’s preparedness for any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease. The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a post on his X account on Tuesday, saying the assessment was carried out as the Ministry of Health prepares for possible eventualities following the reported Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Abayomi, accompanied by the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Adejumo, and other senior officials, inspected critical infrastructure, diagnostic facilities and clinical support systems needed for rapid response, containment and increased patient capacity. Areas assessed included the Emergency Operations Centre, laboratory equipment, oxygen supply systems, triage and isolation facilities, as well as ongoing external works. The commissioner said the inspection also identified immediate maintenance needs involving the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering facilities and drainage networks to ensure appropriate biosafety and patient-care standards.
Abayomi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening Lagos’ health security system and maintaining maximum operational readiness to protect residents. The assessment comes amid concerns over the Ebola situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, according to the information provided, more than 5,600 confirmed cases and over 2,700 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15, 2026. The outbreak is reportedly linked to the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus, for which vaccines and treatments are currently unavailable. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last Thursday appealed for $1.1 billion to fully fund an international response plan aimed at combating the Ebola epidemic in the DRC.
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