NBMA Issues Biosecurity Advisory to Protect Nigeria from Ebola and Other Biological Risks
Oru Leonard
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has issued a biosecurity advisory to protect Nigeria from Ebola and other biological risks. In keeping to NBMA’s role in ensuring biosecurity across Nigeria include
–Preventing, Preparing, and Responding by putting measures in place to prevent, prepare for, and respond to biological threats and misuse of biotechnology.
Collaboration by working with ministries, departments, agencies, and partners to enforce biosecurity measures.
Public Awareness by promoting safe research practices and compliance with international biosecurity standards.
NBMA noted that the responsibilities of State and Local Governments will involve:
– Supporting surveillance teams by equiping surveillance and rapid response teams.
– Establish unctional containment centers to ensure containment and treatment centers are ready.
– Enforce biosafety and biosecurity regulations.
– Invest in public awareness campaigns.
NBMA also said that the role of Religious and Traditional Leaders should do the following:
– Use their influence to promote trust in health authorities.
– Encourage safe burial practices.
– Mobilize communities to adopt hygiene practices.
The Agency advised the public to
– Report symptoms immediately to a hospital if feeling unwell.
– Practice Hand Hygiene by regular washing of hands with soap and running water or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
– Avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms or wild animals.
– Report suspected suspected cases to health authorities.
Contact Information
For more information, contact the NBMA:
Hotline: +2348082254683
Email: nbma@nbma.gov.ng
Website: (link unavailable)
Social Media: @BiosafetyNig, @biosafetynig
The NBMA reiterates commitment to safeguarding human, animal, and plant health, as well as the environment, by regulating modern biotechnology and ensuring the safe management of emerging biological threats.
