By Amos Harris
The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate enforcement of strengthened infection prevention and control measures across Liberia following reports of a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria and an ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola strain.
In an official release titled “Immediate Enforcement of Enhanced Infection Prevention and Control Measures Nationwide,” dated October 21, 2026, Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto directed health facilities, border entry points, public buildings, and other institutions to intensify screening and heighten preparedness against potential Ebola transmission.
As part of the nationwide directives, all public institutions and health facilities must install functional handwashing stations equipped with soap and clean water or appropriate hand sanitizers at all entrances to promote hygiene and reduce infection risks.
Minister Kpoto emphasized that screening protocols must extend beyond routine temperature checks. Institutions are required to evaluate individuals for symptoms as well as relevant travel and exposure histories, following national health guidelines to ensure suspected cases are identified promptly.
The Ministry further called for strict adherence to standard infection prevention protocols, including regular handwashing, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigorous environmental cleaning, and safe medical waste disposal. Health facilities have been urged to maintain adequate reserves of protective supplies and conduct refresher training for frontline health workers.
Under the new guidelines, any suspected Ebola case must be isolated immediately and reported to County Health Teams and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Suspected patients will be safely referred through designated health channels to guarantee a timely investigation and an effective public health response.
Ministry officials instructed facility heads, county health authorities, border officers, and institutional managers to ensure full compliance with these measures and to promptly report any operational gaps that could hinder screening, preparedness, or response efforts.
Meanwhile, the Ministry urged the public to remain vigilant, adhere to recommended preventive practices, and cooperate fully with health officials. Citizens were assured that timely and accurate updates will continue to be provided through official channels as the situation unfolds.
For additional information or to report health concerns, members of the public are advised to contact the Ministry of Health hotline at 5888 or the NPHIL hotline at 4455.
Comments are closed.