The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) has provided more facilities and equipment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) in fight against Ebola.
Speaking during a tour of the facilities at Lagos airport with Abullaziz Abdulai, the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, Olatayo Oginni, International Terminal Manager, FAAN, said the authority had been collaborating with Port Health in the provision of infrastructure, facilities and all other things needed to prevent Ebola case through Nigerian airports.
Ogini told journalists that FAAN holds sensitization meetings with Port Health to ensure all the stakeholders in the airport were involved.
“We have facilities at arrival and facilities at two points of entry at the terminal. From the arrival bridge to the screening point, we have equipment on ground,’’ he said.
Everyone that passes through the airport must be screened. The Port Health will need to also upgrade the equipment. However, we collaborate with them on the issue of provision of clinic, space and all other things they require.
“We have two facilities for them at the arrival hall. They have a permanent clinic at the terminal. We have also provided all the equipment they need to do their job. We also have an isolated clinic at the air side. If they suspect any case of Ebola, the patient can be taken to the isolated clinic. We have standby ambulances and clinic at the terminal and standby ambulance at the cargo side. There is another standby ambulance at the FAAN head office,” he added.
During the tour, Moranike Alex-Okoh, director, Port Health Services complained about inadequate manpower, especially as regards doctors and nurses, adding that the Lagos airport had only one doctor and the nurses are retiring without any replacement.
In response, Abdullahi Mashi said he had taken note of some the challenges he observed and would address them.
“Since I resumed duty I have never been to any of the Port Health facilities. So it is an opportunity for me to be in Lagos and assess some of the facilities and the level of response to the ebola re-appearance. The few challenges we have seen, we have taken note of them and when we get back, we will address them,” he said.
On the alleged case of Ebola, he said the report was false as the laboratory test conducted revealed that it was negative.
IFEOMA OKEKE
