Health · Public Health & Disease · 7 hrs ago
Nigeria pharmacy academy proposes 10-point plan for epidemic readiness
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has proposed a 10-point plan to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness for Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks.
The plan calls for a coordinated system across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, rather than relying on emergency measures only when an outbreak occurs.
Nigeria contained Ebola in 2014, but the academy says that success does not guarantee the country is ready for future outbreaks.
Its proposals include nationwide readiness checks, regular outbreak drills, faster laboratory testing and emergency supplies.
It also wants community pharmacies to help spot possible warning signs and alert public health authorities, without diagnosing Ebola.
The academy says stronger preparation could help Nigeria respond to Ebola, Lassa fever, cholera and other diseases while protecting health workers and supporting survivors.
It has proposed an immediate 90-day implementation framework for government consideration, but the sources do not say whether the government has accepted the plan.
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy has proposed a 10-point plan to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for Ebola and other infectious disease threats.
It called for a coordinated national epidemic-readiness framework, with measures made functional and regularly assessed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposals include readiness audits, simulation exercises, community pharmacy surveillance, laboratory standards and emergency health-commodity reserves.
The Academy said Nigeria’s success in containing Ebola in 2014 should support stronger preparedness, not complacency.
It also proposed an immediate 90-day implementation framework for government consideration.
- Who
- The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, led in its statement by President Prof. Lere Baale.
- What
- It proposed a 10-point plan and a coordinated national framework to improve preparedness for Ebola and other infectious diseases.
- When
- The articles were published on October 22, 2026. The Academy’s webinar informing its report was held on August 20, 2026.
- Where
- Nigeria, across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- Why
- The Academy said outbreak awareness is not enough and existing preparedness systems need to be functional, regularly assessed and strengthened.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nigeria contained Ebola, an achievement the Academy said should be a foundation for stronger preparedness.
The Academy held its National Webinar on Ebola Preparedness.
News reports said the Academy had called for a national epidemic-readiness framework and outlined 10 priority actions.
- Proposed actions
- 10 priority actions
- Coverage
- 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
- Policy report
- From Awareness to Readiness: Strengthening Nigeria’s Preparedness for Ebola and Emerging Infectious Disease Emergencies
- Webinar
- August 20, 2026
- Proposed implementation period
- 90 days
3 sources
What people are saying
Nigeria demonstrated extraordinary leadership, professional competence and national coordination in containing Ebola in 2014. However, yesterday’s success does not automatically guarantee tomorrow’s preparedness.
Our responsibility is to ensure that the capabilities that protected Nigeria in 2014 are institutionalised, continuously strengthened and demonstrably functional across the country