LAGOS — Following a recent outbreak of Ebola in parts of East Africa, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to all healthcare facilities and medical waste handlers across the state.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who released the statement on Friday, emphasized that the directive is strictly a proactive measure designed to reinforce existing public health safeguards. He firmly reassured the public that no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) have been recorded in Lagos State or anywhere else in Nigeria.
Gbadegesin stressed that effective medical waste management remains absolutely essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases, noting that proper handling protocols are vital to protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, and the general public. While reiterating that Nigeria remains completely free of the virus, the LAWMA boss stated that institutional preparedness is one of the most effective tools in disease prevention.
Consequently, he urged health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to immediately strengthen their internal infection prevention and control measures.
As part of the strict enforcement of approved medical waste management procedures, the advisory calls for the rigorous segregation of infectious waste at the source, alongside reinforced hand hygiene and the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Healthcare facilities were also advised to ensure the safe handling of medical specimens and to implement thorough environmental decontamination practices.
Dr. Gbadegesin directed waste handlers and transporters to strictly comply with approved protocols for the collection, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials, warning that operators must consistently use appropriate protective gear during all waste management activities.
Reassuring residents that Lagos State remains on high alert against potential public health threats, Gbadegesin affirmed that the government has sustained its surveillance, preparedness, and response mechanisms to safeguard the populace. He added that LAWMA will continue to monitor compliance, engage key stakeholders, and roll out statewide training and sensitization initiatives.
In the meantime, all health institutions are urged to immediately review their infection prevention protocols, remain highly vigilant, and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through the appropriate official channels.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Edited by : Deborah Yakub
