MONROVIA, Liberia — The Ministry of Health has ordered the immediate implementation of enhanced Ebola screening and infection prevention measures at health facilities, border crossings, public buildings, and other institutions nationwide amid concerns over Ebola-related developments in the region.
The directive, issued in a statement dated October 21, follows reports of a confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria and the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry said stronger preventive measures and increased vigilance are necessary to protect public health and reduce the risk of the disease spreading into communities across Liberia.
Under the new instructions, institutions must provide accessible handwashing facilities with soap and water or suitable hand sanitizers at their entrances. They are also required to strengthen screening by assessing symptoms alongside relevant travel and exposure histories, in accordance with national health protocols.
The Ministry cautioned that temperature checks alone cannot adequately identify all suspected Ebola cases, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive screening process.
Health facilities and other institutions have also been instructed to reinforce hand hygiene, ensure the proper use of personal protective equipment, maintain regular environmental cleaning, and safely manage and dispose of medical and potentially hazardous waste.
The directive further requires anyone suspected of having Ebola to be promptly isolated from others and reported to the appropriate County Health Team and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Suspected cases must then be referred safely through established reporting and response channels.
To improve the country’s readiness, the Ministry is calling on institutions to maintain sufficient stocks of infection prevention and control supplies and provide refresher training for frontline health workers, screening personnel, and emergency response teams.
Heads of health facilities, county health authorities, border officials, and managers of public and private institutions have been assigned responsibility for ensuring compliance. They are also expected to report shortages or other challenges that require government intervention.
The Ministry has meanwhile encouraged the public to follow recommended preventive practices, remain alert to relevant health guidance, and cooperate with health authorities as national preparedness efforts continue.
It also pledged to provide timely and accurate information through official communication channels to keep the public informed of developments.
The measures take effect immediately and apply across Liberia’s health facilities, border entry points, public buildings, and other institutions.
The Ministry’s directive is a preparedness measure in response to reported regional developments; it does not, by itself, establish that an Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Liberia.
