The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers across Lagos State following the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) reported in parts of East Africa.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the advisory was aimed at ensuring that healthcare facilities, medical waste handlers, transporters, and treatment operators remain vigilant and fully compliant with established infection prevention and medical waste management protocols.
Dr. Gbadegesin stressed that there are currently no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, noting that the directive is a proactive measure designed to strengthen preparedness and reinforce medical waste management standards.
According to him, effective medical waste management is critical in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding healthcare workers, waste handlers, patients, and the general public.
The advisory directed health facilities to strengthen standard infection prevention and control measures, including proper hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe handling of medical specimens, environmental decontamination, and strict segregation of infectious waste at source.
LAWMA also urged medical waste handlers and transporters to adhere strictly to approved procedures for the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of infectious waste while ensuring the consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment during operations.
Dr. Gbadegesin stated that the Authority would continue to support preparedness efforts through regular monitoring, compliance enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and the maintenance of high medical waste management standards across the state.
He called on health institutions to remain alert, review their infection prevention protocols where necessary, and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through the appropriate channels.
The LAWMA boss reassured residents that Lagos State remains on high alert and continues to maintain robust surveillance, preparedness, and response mechanisms to protect public health.
He added that the Authority would sustain ongoing training, sensitisation, and compliance initiatives to ensure that medical waste management systems remain safe, effective, and responsive to emerging public health challenges.
Writing by Innocent Onoh