The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Nigeria free of Ebola following the medical evacuation of an infected patient and her husband to Switzerland.

 

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the patient and her husband had been evacuated earlier in the morning.

 

Janabi explained that although the evacuation marked a significant development in Nigeria’s Ebola response, health authorities would continue monitoring 52 contacts to ensure that the situation remained under control.

 

According to him, Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s continued medical care and follow-up involving her husband, while Nigeria would maintain surveillance of the identified contacts.

 

Patient Stabilised by Nigerian Medical Team

The WHO official said the patient was clinically stable before her evacuation, following successful treatment and medical support provided by Nigerian health workers.

 

He explained that Nigerian medical teams had managed the patient through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before arrangements were made for her transfer to Switzerland.

 

The development represents a significant milestone for the Nigerian health authorities and medical personnel who participated in the response.

 

Janabi commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to managing the case.

 

He described the outcome as a remarkable achievement, highlighting the importance of preparedness, coordination and effective medical intervention during public health emergencies.

 

WHO Commends Nigeria’s Ebola Response

Janabi said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s capacity to respond to serious health threats through expertise, resilience and leadership in public health.

 

He stressed that cooperation among countries remained essential in addressing infectious diseases and managing emergencies that could pose risks beyond national borders.

 

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The WHO regional director’s remarks also highlighted the role of collaboration between national health authorities and international partners in ensuring that patients receive appropriate care while public health risks are monitored.

 

Nigeria’s handling of the case, he said, reflected what could be achieved when health professionals and emergency response teams worked together towards a common objective.

 

Monitoring of 52 Contacts Continues

Despite the patient’s evacuation, Janabi warned that vigilance remained necessary, stressing that the response could not end simply because the patient had left Nigeria.

 

He said Nigerian health authorities would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s ongoing treatment and follow-up involving her husband.

 

Contact monitoring is an important public health measure used to identify and follow people who may have been exposed to an infected person. It enables health officials to detect potential symptoms early and take appropriate action where necessary.

 

The continued monitoring of the contacts therefore remains a key part of Nigeria’s efforts to prevent further transmission and maintain public health surveillance.

 

The WHO official urged authorities and other stakeholders to sustain attention to the remaining response measures, noting that vigilance was critical even after the successful management and evacuation of the patient.

 

Public Health Vigilance Remains Important

The declaration comes as a reminder of the importance of strong healthcare systems, early intervention and coordinated responses to infectious disease threats.

 

Although the evacuation marks an important step in the management of the case, the continued monitoring of contacts remains essential to ensuring that no further infections emerge.

 

For Nigeria, the immediate priority is to complete the follow-up of the 52 contacts and maintain the necessary surveillance measures in collaboration with relevant health authorities.

 

The WHO has commended the efforts of Nigerian health workers and other responders, while emphasising that continued vigilance and international cooperation remain central to protecting public health.

 

The key takeaway is that WHO has declared Nigeria free of Ebola following the patient’s evacuation to Switzerland, but monitoring of 52 contacts will continue as part of the country’s public health response.