COOUTH Sets Up Ebola Emergency Committee After Abuja Suspected Case

COOUTH CMD inaugurating seven man Ebola preparedness committee

By Titus Eleweke

The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to strengthen the hospital’s preparedness for Ebola and ensure that effective preventive measures are in place within the facility and surrounding communities.

The committee is expected to assess existing preparedness measures, identify gaps in infection prevention and control, strengthen disease surveillance and early detection, and develop a coordinated response strategy to prevent the possible introduction and spread of the virus in Anambra State.

According to a statement issued by the COOUTH Public Relations Officer (PRO) Team, the committee was inaugurated on Thursday during the hospital’s 50th Management Meeting, following reports of a suspected Ebola case in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Inaugurating the committee, Dr Umeakuewulu charged members to adopt proactive and comprehensive measures to prevent the possible introduction and spread of Ebola, emphasising that disease prevention efforts must extend beyond the hospital environment to the wider community.

She stressed the need for functional handwashing facilities, adequate supplies of hand sanitisers and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks where indicated. She also called for strict adherence to infection prevention and control protocols across all service points within the hospital.

The CMD further directed the committee to organise regular training and sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers, strengthen surveillance and early detection mechanisms, and collaborate with relevant public health authorities to ensure the prompt reporting and appropriate management of suspected cases.

Beyond the hospital, the committee is expected to develop and implement strategies for public health education and community sensitisation across Anambra State and its environs.

The initiatives will focus on raising public awareness of Ebola, educating residents on preventive measures, encouraging the early reporting of suspected cases and discouraging practices that could facilitate the transmission of the disease.

Dr Umeakuewulu noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for a healthier Anambra State and underscores the importance of a proactive and coordinated public health response to emerging infectious disease threats.

The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Chima Christian Ibeneme.

Other members are Professor Chinyerem Nwachukwu, a Consultant Community Medicine Physician and Head of the Department of Community Medicine; Dr Charles Okechukwu Ugwunze, a Consultant Pulmonologist and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine; Dr Afam Anameje, Head of the Department of Family Medicine; Dr Innocent Umeakunne, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department; Mrs Angela Nebo, Head of Nursing Services; and Mrs Lovelyn Ezeakunne, Public Relations Officer.

Among its key responsibilities, the committee will assess existing preparedness measures, identify operational gaps, strengthen infection prevention and control systems, establish clear protocols for surveillance and rapid response, coordinate referral and laboratory arrangements, and develop an effective communication strategy for the hospital and surrounding communities.

The committee is also expected to promote effective coordination among relevant hospital departments and public health authorities to ensure that suspected cases are promptly identified, appropriately managed and reported in line with established public health protocols.

Through the initiative, COOUTH has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, the protection of healthcare workers, community health education and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks.

The hospital also called on healthcare professionals and members of the public to remain vigilant, observe appropriate preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases to the relevant health authorities.