EBOLA: FG, NMA agree on schools’ resumption date

The Federal Government and the Nigerian Medical Association on Monday finally harmonized positions on the September 22 resumption of schools nationwide.

The NMA said the September 22 date earlier announced by the federal government for the resumption of schools was acceptable and that schools should resume 'in order not to feed into the fear monster in the country.'

The association while agreeing with the government’s position at a stakeholders’ meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Education however gave six provisions to be followed to keep the country safe.

The President of the NMA, Dr. Kayode Obembe, said the association changed its mind on the condition that the government would, among other conditions, maintain “highest level of vigilance” in the several entry points in the country, resuscitate infectious disease hospitals in states and ensure comprehensive screening of travelers.

NMA said the international Port Health Services should be put in the highest level of vigilance and preparedness to screen those coming into the country.

       "All recent travelers to all the
        provinces of the current
        endemic countries of the
        Ebola disease – namely
        Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone
        Ivory Coast, Democratic
        Republic of the Congo,
        Uganda, Sudan and Gabon-
        must be carefully scrutinized
        for the presence of the virus
        and epidemiologically treated
        accordingly," NMA added.