By Matthew Otabe
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that Nigeria currently has no active Ebola case following the medical evacuation of a Swiss patient and her husband to Switzerland.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this on Monday in a statement posted on his official X account, noting that Nigerian health authorities would continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the case.
Janabi explained that the patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, were evacuated to Switzerland after Nigerian medical teams successfully managed the acute phase of the patient’s illness and stabilised her condition.
He said the patient was clinically stable at the time of the evacuation, adding that Swiss health authorities would assume responsibility for her continued medical care and follow-up monitoring of her husband, who was identified as contact number 53.
The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their efforts in managing the case.
He described the response as a significant achievement, demonstrating Africa’s public health expertise, resilience and leadership in tackling health emergencies through collaboration.
Despite the evacuation, Janabi emphasised the need for sustained vigilance to prevent further transmission and ensure that all individuals who might have been exposed to the virus were properly monitored.
He noted that Nigerian health authorities would continue monitoring the 52 contacts identified in the country, while Swiss authorities would take responsibility for the patient’s medical management and monitor her husband.
The WHO stressed that the transfer of the patient abroad did not eliminate the need for continued surveillance, contact tracing and other public health measures.
The organisation urged relevant authorities to sustain their efforts to ensure that all identified contacts received appropriate follow-up and that any potential signs of further transmission were detected promptly.
The development highlights the importance of coordinated international action and sustained public health vigilance in containing infectious disease threats.
