Nigeria Has No Active Ebola Cases After Patient’s Evacuation to Switzerland — WHO

The World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohammed Janabi, says Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of the infected Swiss woman and her husband to Switzerland.

 

Janabi disclosed this in a post on X on Monday, confirming that the couple had been evacuated earlier in the day.

 

His statement followed an announcement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who confirmed that the patient and her husband had departed Nigeria aboard an air ambulance.

 

Janabi said both individuals were Swiss citizens, adding that the patient was clinically stable after receiving treatment from Nigerian medical personnel.

 

“The Nigerian medical team successfully managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition,” he said.

 

The WHO official congratulated the Federal Government, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners involved in managing the case.

 

“On behalf of WHO and all partners, I warmly congratulate the Government of Nigeria, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and all those involved in the response. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to what Africa can accomplish when we work together,” he said.

 

However, Janabi stressed the need for continued vigilance, noting that Nigerian health authorities would maintain close monitoring of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s continued care and the monitoring of her husband, identified as contact number 53.

 

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” he stated.

 

Janabi described the development as a demonstration of African expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, commending all those involved in the response.

 

“Congratulations once again to everyone involved. This is a proud moment demonstrating African expertise, resilience, and leadership in public health,” he added.