By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, has inaugurated a seven-member committee to strengthen the hospital’s preparedness for Ebola and intensify public health awareness across Anambra State and neighbouring communities.
The committee was inaugurated during the hospital’s 50th Management Meeting following reports of a suspected Ebola case in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Inaugurating the committee, Dr. Umeakuewulu charged members to take proactive and comprehensive measures to prevent the possible introduction and spread of the disease, stressing that preparedness must extend beyond the hospital to the wider community.
She emphasised the need for functional handwashing facilities, adequate supplies of hand sanitisers, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including face masks where indicated, and strict compliance with infection prevention and control protocols across all service points.
The CMD also directed the committee to organise regular training and sensitisation programmes for healthcare workers, strengthen surveillance and early detection mechanisms, and collaborate with relevant public health authorities to ensure the prompt reporting and appropriate management of suspected cases.
Beyond the hospital, the committee is expected to develop and implement public health education and community sensitisation strategies across Anambra State and its environs.
The initiatives will focus on raising awareness of Ebola, educating residents on preventive measures, encouraging the early reporting of suspected cases, and discouraging practices that could facilitate disease transmission.
Dr. Umeakuewulu said the initiative aligns with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of a healthier Anambra State and underscores the importance of a proactive and coordinated response to emerging infectious disease threats.
The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Chima Christian Ibeneme.
Other members are Professor Chinyerem Nwachukwu, Consultant Community Medicine Physician and Head of the Department of Community Medicine; Dr. Charles Okechukwu Ugwunze, Consultant Pulmonologist and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine; Dr. Afam Anameje,
Head of the Department of Family Medicine; Dr. Innocent Umeakunne, Head of the Accident and Emergency Department; Mrs. Angela Nebo, Head of Nursing Services; and Mrs. Lovelyn Ezeakunne, Public Relations Officer.
The committee is expected to assess existing preparedness measures, identify gaps, strengthen infection prevention and control systems, establish clear surveillance and rapid-response protocols, coordinate referral and laboratory arrangements, and develop an effective communication strategy for the hospital and surrounding communities.
Through the initiative, COOUTH has reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, the protection of healthcare workers, community health education, and the prevention of infectious disease outbreaks.
The hospital also urged healthcare professionals and members of the public to remain vigilant, observe appropriate preventive measures, and promptly report suspected cases to the relevant health authorities.
Tags: Ebola, COOUTH, Anambra Health
