By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has issued a precautionary advisory to health facilities and medical waste handlers across Lagos State, directing them to strengthen infection prevention measures following the recent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak reported in parts of East Africa.
The advisory was issued on Friday by the Managing Director of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, through a statement released in Lagos.
Gbadegesin said the directive was aimed at enhancing preparedness and ensuring strict compliance with infection prevention and medical waste management protocols in healthcare facilities and among licensed waste operators.
He stressed that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Lagos State or anywhere in Nigeria, noting that the advisory was issued as a proactive measure to strengthen existing public health safeguards.
According to him, effective medical waste management remains critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers and the wider public.
“Although there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in Lagos or Nigeria, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in disease prevention,” he said.
Gbadegesin urged health facilities and licensed medical waste operators to strengthen infection prevention and control measures and adhere strictly to approved medical waste management procedures.
He advised healthcare institutions to reinforce hand hygiene practices, ensure the consistent use of personal protective equipment and maintain safe handling of medical specimens.
He also called for proper environmental decontamination practices and strict segregation of infectious waste at source to minimise potential health risks.
He further urged waste handlers and transporters to comply with approved procedures for the collection, transportation and disposal of medical waste, while consistently using appropriate protective equipment during operations.
Gbadegesin said LAWMA would continue monitoring compliance and engaging relevant stakeholders to maintain high standards of medical waste management across the state.
He also encouraged health institutions to review their infection prevention protocols, remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected public health concerns through appropriate channels.
Reassuring residents, Gbadegesin said Lagos State remains on high alert against potential public health threats, adding that surveillance, preparedness and response mechanisms have been sustained to safeguard public health.
He added that training, sensitisation and compliance initiatives would continue across the state as part of efforts to strengthen readiness and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
