The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to hospitals, medical waste handlers, transporters, and treatment operators across Lagos State following reports of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks in parts of East Africa.
The agency said the advisory is intended to enhance preparedness and ensure strict compliance with infection prevention and medical waste management standards across the state.
Speaking on the development, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, clarified that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria.
“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention. We are therefore urging all health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and ensure strict compliance with approved medical waste management protocols,” he said.
According to LAWMA, healthcare institutions should reinforce infection prevention practices, including proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, environmental decontamination, safe handling of medical samples, and proper segregation of infectious waste.
The authority also urged medical waste handlers and transporters to strictly adhere to approved procedures for collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of infectious waste materials.
Dr. Gbadegesin noted that LAWMA would continue monitoring compliance and engaging stakeholders to ensure the state remains prepared for potential public health threats.
He also reassured residents that Lagos remains on alert, with surveillance and response systems in place to safeguard public health.
