Ebola: Health Minister Meets Head Of Foreign Missions

File Photo

Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Health Minister

As the number of Nigerians diagnosed with Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) increases,  the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu is billed to meet with Head of Foreign Missions Thursday in Abuja.

The meeting is coming on the heels of blames and accusations trailing the visit of the late Liberian – American, Mr Patrick Sawyer who is seen as the architect of the spread of the virus in Nigeria.

Officials of the Nigerian Foreign Mission in Monrovia, Liberia have been blamed for allowing Mr Sawyer entry even when the late Liberian’s sister had died from the virus.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Health and signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Information,   Ishiaka Yusuf said the meeting is expected to take place around noon.

With the current increase of Nigerians who have been confirmed Ebola positive,  government may also be under pressure to rescind from its earlier decision not close its borders.

All efforts to speak with the Director of the Port Health Service, Dr Sani Gwarzo proved abortive as he was not available for comment.

Meanwhile,  the WHO is to hold an emergency meeting in Geneva, Switzerland to seek global support and means of stopping the spread of the Ebola virus.

The move came as new cases of Ebola virus are being reported in some countries aside Africa.  A Saudi national was said to have died Wednesday after developing symptoms similar to Ebola virus.  He was said to have visited Sirrea Leone few weeks ago.

-THISDAY