By Becky Momodu
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), taking its public awareness campaign to markets, motor parks and communities across the territory.
The two-day motorised sensitisation exercise, held on October 29 and 30, 2026, was organised by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), through the FCT Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with support from UNICEF and other partners.
The campaign covered several locations, including UTC Market in Area 10, Area 1 Mechanic Car Park, Gudu Market, Wuse Market, the Central Business Area, Jabi, Lifecamp, Airport Road, Galadimawa Bridge, Lugbe, Goza and Kuje.
During the exercise, residents received information on Ebola symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures.
The warning signs highlighted included fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding.
Health officials urged residents who experience symptoms suggestive of the disease to seek immediate medical attention and report suspected cases to relevant health authorities rather than resorting to self-medication.
The FCTA reassured residents that there is currently no active case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory, while noting that disease surveillance, monitoring and contact tracing remain ongoing to ensure early detection and prompt response to suspected cases.
Residents were also advised to avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients, maintain good personal and environmental hygiene, and practise regular handwashing.
A practical demonstration of proper handwashing techniques was conducted during the campaign to reinforce the importance of hygiene in preventing infectious diseases.
Beyond Ebola, the sensitisation exercise also addressed other public health threats, including diphtheria, rabies and Lassa fever, with emphasis on vaccination where applicable, early detection and prompt reporting.
The FCT Public Health Department urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with health officials and rely on verified information from official health authorities rather than spreading unconfirmed reports.
It stressed that early reporting of suspected cases and collective responsibility were essential to protecting communities against infectious disease outbreaks.
