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By Lawrence Agbo
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has placed health facilities and medical waste handlers across Lagos State on heightened alert following reports of an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in parts of East Africa.
In a precautionary advisory issued by the agency, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the directive was aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring strict compliance with infection prevention and medical waste management protocols.
He stressed that, although no case of Ebola has been confirmed in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, vigilance remains critical in preventing any potential outbreak.
“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention,” Gbadegesin said.
“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.”
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According to him, proper medical waste management is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers, and the general public.
The advisory instructed hospitals and other health facilities to reinforce key infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of medical specimens, environmental cleaning, and strict segregation of infectious waste at source.
LAWMA also directed licensed medical waste transporters and treatment operators to strictly adhere to approved procedures for collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of infectious waste, as well as ensure consistent use of protective gear during operations.
Gbadegesin added that the agency would continue to monitor compliance, engage stakeholders, and sustain efforts to maintain high standards of medical waste management across the state.
He further urged health institutions to review their internal infection prevention systems and promptly report any suspected public health threats through the appropriate channels.
Reassuring residents, he said Lagos State remains on high alert and will continue to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response mechanisms to safeguard public health.
