Residents of Akwa Ibom State have continued to react to the Federal Government’s announcement of a weekly financial support of N100,000 for individuals placed in isolation over suspected Ebola Virus Disease, as the number of contacts under monitoring nationwide climbs to 53.
The Federal Government had unveiled the financial incentive as part of broader containment measures aimed at encouraging Nigerians who may have been exposed to the virus to willingly submit themselves for isolation and monitoring.
The move, according to the government, is designed to mitigate the economic hardship that persons in isolation may face, especially those who depend on daily income for survival.
Health authorities explained that persons placed under watch are required to stay away from their families and workplaces for up to 21 days, which is the incubation period of the Ebola virus, during which they are closely observed for symptoms.
With the number of persons under surveillance increasing to 53, the government believes that providing financial support will help prevent situations where individuals abscond or conceal their status due to financial concerns.
In Akwa Ibom State, the announcement has been received with mixed feelings, with some residents describing it as a welcome development while others are calling for more comprehensive health sector interventions.
Speaking with Newsmen in Uyo, a resident identified as Kufreabasi Umoh lauded the initiative, describing it as a practical and people-centred approach to public health management.
Umoh pointed out that one of the biggest challenges during disease outbreaks in Nigeria is the reluctance of people to come forward for testing or isolation because of the fear of losing their source of income.
He noted that many Nigerians who are daily earners would rather hide their symptoms than stay at home for weeks without any financial support, a development that could accelerate community transmission.
According to him, the provision of N100,000 weekly will serve as a strong motivation for contacts to comply with health directives and remain in isolation centres until they are certified free of the virus.
He further argued that such an incentive would reduce stigma and psychological distress associated with isolation, as beneficiaries would know that their families are not suffering while they are away.
Umoh, however, advised the Federal Government to put in place a transparent and efficient payment system to ensure that the funds reach the actual persons in isolation without diversion or unnecessary delay.
He stressed that accountability and prompt disbursement would be critical to sustaining public trust and encouraging others to cooperate with health authorities.
In a related interview, another resident, Mr. Chima Okoro, said while the cash support is commendable, the government should not lose sight of the need to invest heavily in healthcare infrastructure.
Okoro called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently set up and equip standard isolation and treatment centres across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He recalled that during the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the state government swiftly expanded bed capacity and provided additional facilities at the General Hospital, Uyo, and the Ibom Specialist Hospital to handle infected patients.
He said that similar proactive measures should be adopted now to ensure that the state is not caught unawares in the event of a confirmed Ebola case.
Okoro emphasised that adequate facilities, well-trained health workers, personal protective equipment and laboratory support are indispensable for effective management of suspected and confirmed cases.
He also urged the state government to embark on massive public enlightenment campaigns to sensitise citizens on the mode of transmission, symptoms and preventive measures for Ebola.
Both Umoh and Okoro agreed that the fight against Ebola requires collective responsibility and active involvement of all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based organisations.
They noted that early detection and reporting of suspected cases, coupled with strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, remain the most effective ways to prevent an outbreak.
They urged residents to practice regular hand washing with soap, avoid direct contact with body fluids of sick persons and promptly report any case of sudden high fever, vomiting, severe headache or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility.
They also called on the Federal and State Governments to continue to support health workers who are at the frontline of disease surveillance and containment efforts.
Meanwhile, health officials in Akwa Ibom State have assured the public that there is no cause for panic, as surveillance has been intensified at borders, health facilities and communities, with the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, to ensure early detection and rapid response.
