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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has clarified that Nigeria has not officially been declared Ebola-free, despite the medical evacuation of the country’s only confirmed patient to Switzerland. The organisation stressed that the absence of confirmed cases within Nigeria does not automatically mean the outbreak has ended.
The clarification comes as the Federal Government identifies December 7, 2026, as a possible date for declaring the outbreak over, provided no additional confirmed or probable infections are detected. Health authorities say the proposed date remains provisional and depends on meeting the required public health monitoring conditions.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the government’s immediate priorities include monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus, investigating suspected cases and strengthening preparedness across healthcare facilities. The patient’s husband was also evacuated to Switzerland, while health officials continue their surveillance efforts.
Under WHO guidelines, the outbreak cannot be officially declared over until the required 42-day monitoring period has been completed without further cases. Any new confirmed or probable infection could restart the countdown, potentially delaying the planned declaration.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to remain calm, cooperate with contact-tracing teams and rely on updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other recognised health authorities. Officials maintain that continued vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected infections remain essential to preventing further transmission.
