The Lagos State Government has conducted a strategic assessment of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), also known as Mainland Hospital, Yaba, as part of measures to strengthen the state’s preparedness for a possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The state Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, disclosed this on Tuesday in a post on his X handle, saying the assessment was carried out as the Ministry of Health prepares for possible eventualities arising from the expanding Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Abayomi said the exercise focused on ensuring that the hospital had the infrastructure, equipment and clinical support systems required to respond rapidly to and contain any high-consequence infectious disease outbreak.
He said the assessment was conducted alongside the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Adejumo, and other key members of staff.
According to the commissioner, the team inspected critical areas including the Emergency Operations Centre, laboratory equipment, oxygen supply infrastructure, triage and isolation facilities, as well as external site works.
“We identified immediate maintenance needs across key operational sections including the EOC, biobank, pharmacy, catering and drainage networks to maintain the highest standards of biosafety and patient care,” Abayomi stated.
He stressed that the exercise formed part of the government’s efforts to strengthen Lagos’ health security architecture and maintain operational readiness to protect public health.
The assessment comes against the backdrop of an Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which has raised concerns about the potential spread of the highly infectious disease beyond the affected region.
The DRC declared the outbreak on May 15, 2026, with the disease reportedly caused by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus.
The outbreak has reportedly recorded thousands of confirmed cases and deaths, with health authorities and international organisations working to contain its spread.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, last Thursday appealed for $1.1 billion to fully fund an aid plan aimed at combating the Ebola epidemic in the DRC.
Lagos authorities said the latest assessment was aimed at ensuring that critical facilities remained ready to respond effectively should the state face any infectious disease threat.
