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The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary directive to hospitals and medical waste handlers across Lagos State following renewed concerns over Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of East Africa.
In a statement released by the Lagos State Government on Saturday, LAWMA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, clarified that Nigeria and Lagos currently have no confirmed Ebola cases.
He, however, said readiness remained essential in preventing possible outbreaks.
The agency said the move is to strengthen preparedness and ensure strict compliance with infection prevention standards among health ainstitutions, waste contractors, transporters and treatment operators.
According to him, health facilities and licensed waste operators were being urged to reinforce safety procedures and comply fully with approved protocols for handling medical and infectious waste.
“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.
Gbadegesin noted that proper management of medical waste is central to preventing disease transmission and protecting frontline health workers as well as the general public.
The advisory instructed health institutions to strengthen hygiene practices, ensure the use of protective gear, properly handle biological samples, carry out environmental cleaning, and strictly separate infectious waste at source.
It also directed medical waste handlers and transport companies to follow approved collection, transportation, treatment and disposal guidelines, while maintaining consistent use of protective equipment.
Gbadegesin added that LAWMA would intensify monitoring of compliance and continue engaging stakeholders to uphold safety standards across the state.
He further urged health facilities to regularly review their infection control systems and promptly report any suspected cases through official health channels.
LAWMA said Lagos remains on high alert, with continued surveillance and preparedness measures in place to safeguard public health.
