Following the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases in the country, the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have conducted a simulation exercise at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to enhance disease prevention.
The simulation exercise, which was held at the Nigeria Safety and Investigation Bureau (NSIB) premises, involved FAAN workers and other health related agencies operating at the Akanu Ibiam international airport.
In a reassuring remark, the commissioner for health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi said the simulation exercise was aimed at demonstrating the state’s commitment to enhancing its preparedness for public health emergencies, particularly in high-risk areas like airports.
“Enugu State stands the risk of infectious diseases’ outbreak due to the international airport that serves as entry point for people coming into South East states for the yuletide celebrations, hence the need to sensitize airport workers to step up to their responsibilities and ensure that every passenger coming into the state is well examined to keep the state safe,” he added.
Also speaking, the Regional Airport Manager, South East Airports, Hillary Umunna, represented by the Head of Operations, FAAN, Mrs. Udenze Onyeka, said airport workers will continue to work in synergy with Enugu State ministry of health to prevent outbreak of infectious diseases especially now that people were travelling to the region for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
The state epidemiologist, Dr. Okechukwu Ogbodo, presenting an overview of outbreak stimulation, said the exercise was necessary to prepare the minds of airport workers to step up to their responsibilities to ensure no infectious disease penetrate the state.
While giving them tips on how to carry out their functions, he told them that airport workers are in position to identify suspected cases, keep accurate data in situation of identified cases, adding that diseases such as mpox and covid-19 spread easily and faster, and should be carefully monitored.