Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen surveillance for Ebola and diphtheria by training health workers and relevant stakeholders on early detection, prompt reporting and effective disease response.

The Kwara State Ministry of Health organised a one day sensitisation training to improve public health preparedness and strengthen the state’s ability to identify and respond to suspected cases.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr Khadeejah Kamaldeen, who represented the Director of Public Health, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, stressed the importance of early detection and immediate reporting to prevent possible outbreaks.

The training focused on helping participants recognise symptoms, understand how the diseases spread and follow established surveillance guidelines.

Health workers were also trained on infection prevention and control, proper collection and transportation of medical samples, and identifying gaps in disease surveillance.

A consultant public physician with the World Health Organisation, Dr Maryam Jimoh, explained that diphtheria could spread through respiratory droplets and contact with infected lesions, contaminated clothing and other objects.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention representative, Dr Gloria Ogunkunle, highlighted warning signs of Ebola, including sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

The ministry said the initiative reflected its commitment to protecting residents through improved disease monitoring, public awareness and coordinated emergency response.

Residents are encouraged to seek prompt medical attention when they experience symptoms associated with suspected infectious diseases.