The Lagos State Government has intensified preparations to respond to any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) amid the expanding outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, September 1, following a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), popularly known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

Abayomi said the assessment was conducted to strengthen Lagos’ preparedness and ensure that critical health facilities were equipped to respond rapidly to any high-consequence disease outbreak.

According to him, officials assessed the hospital’s critical infrastructure, diagnostic capacity and clinical support systems needed for effective disease containment and response.

The inspection, conducted alongside the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Adejumo, and other key staff, covered the Emergency Operations Centre, laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, as well as ongoing external site works.

“We thoroughly inspected the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation areas, and external site works to ensure seamless functionality during a high-consequence outbreak,” Abayomi said.

He disclosed that immediate maintenance needs were identified in several critical areas, including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering facilities and drainage networks.

The commissioner said addressing the identified needs was necessary to maintain biosafety standards and ensure adequate patient care should an outbreak occur.

Abayomi added that the inspection formed part of broader efforts to strengthen Lagos State’s health security system and improve its capacity to respond to emerging public health threats.

“The Ministry remains committed to fortifying Lagos State’s health security architecture and maintaining maximum operational readiness to safeguard public health,” he stated.