The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to healthcare facilities and medical waste operators across Lagos State following reports of an Ebola outbreak in parts of East Africa.
The move comes as authorities seek to strengthen preparedness and prevent any potential public health risks associated with the deadly virus, despite the absence of confirmed cases in Nigeria.
Speaking through a statement released by the Lagos State Government on Saturday, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized the importance of vigilance among healthcare institutions, medical waste handlers, transporters, and treatment operators.
According to him, proactive measures remain essential in protecting public health and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention,” Gbadegesin stated.
“We are therefore urging all health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols.”
The advisory highlights the critical role that effective medical waste management plays in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. LAWMA noted that proper handling and disposal of medical waste are necessary to safeguard healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, and the general public.
As part of the directive, health facilities have been instructed to reinforce infection prevention practices, including proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of medical specimens, environmental decontamination, and the strict segregation of infectious waste at the source.
The agency also called on medical waste handlers and transporters to comply fully with approved procedures for collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of infectious waste materials. Operators were further advised to consistently wear protective gear while carrying out their duties.
Gbadegesin stressed that LAWMA would continue monitoring compliance across the state while engaging stakeholders to ensure that medical waste management standards remain high.
He encouraged healthcare institutions to review their existing infection prevention protocols and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through the appropriate channels.
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The LAWMA chief reassured residents that Lagos State remains on alert and is actively maintaining surveillance and response measures to protect public health.
The renewed focus on preparedness comes amid growing international attention on the Ebola situation in East Africa. Health experts have consistently warned that early detection, strict infection control practices, and proper waste management are among the most effective strategies for preventing outbreaks from spreading.
While Nigeria has not recorded any Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak, authorities are urging healthcare providers and relevant stakeholders to remain vigilant as part of broader efforts to keep the state and the country safe from potential health threats.
