Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge, has spoken of the close collaboration between the hospital and the Oyo State Government to ensure that the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) does not spread to the state despite its proximity to Lagos, where the disease first broke out in the country in late July.

Prof Alonge, while addressing journalists yesterday at the hospital, stressed that any endemic situation could be curtailed through the development of a strong surveillance system. He assured that such a strong surveillance system had been put in place by UCH to ensure that Oyo remains free of Ebola.

The UCH CMD commended the State Government for its constant support for UCH. Giving an example he said: “UCH got some reagents, body-bags, as well as professional assistance from the state Ministry of Health, during the last outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.”

“Our state is safe, considering all the measures and efforts being put in place,” Prof Alonge stated, commending the State Government for the establishment of a disease surveillance committee that includes the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Abbas Gbolahan, whose office is in charge of disease control and contact tracing in the state.