Liberia’s Ministry of Health has ordered all health facilities, border entry points, public buildings, and other institutions across the country to immediately strengthen screening and enforce Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures amid concerns following the confirmation of an Ebola case in Nigeria and the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
In a press release issued Wednesday, the Ministry directed relevant authorities to implement the measures with immediate effect as part of efforts to protect public health and strengthen preparedness against potential Ebola transmission.
The directive requires institutions to establish functional handwashing stations with soap and water or appropriate hand sanitizers at entrances. Facilities are also required to screen individuals for symptoms and relevant travel or exposure history in accordance with national health guidance.
The Ministry stressed that temperature checks alone are insufficient, emphasizing the need for broader screening measures to identify individuals who may require further medical assessment.
It further instructed health facilities and other institutions to strictly observe hand hygiene, use appropriate personal protective equipment, maintain environmental cleanliness, and ensure the safe disposal of waste.
Under the directive, suspected Ebola cases must be immediately separated and reported to the respective County Health Teams and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Suspected cases must be referred safely through designated channels.
The Ministry also called for adequate supplies of infection prevention materials and refresher training for frontline health workers to ensure compliance with the required protocols.
Facility heads, county health authorities, border officials, and institutional managers have been tasked with ensuring implementation and promptly reporting any gaps that may require government support.
The Ministry urged residents to remain vigilant, observe recommended preventive measures, and cooperate with public health authorities to protect communities.
Although the directive comes amid Ebola-related developments in the region, the Ministry’s release does not announce a confirmed Ebola case in Liberia.
Members of the public seeking further information can contact the Ministry of Health hotline at 5888 or the National Public Health Institute of Liberia hotline at 4455.
The Ministry said timely and accurate updates would continue to be communicated through official channels.
