The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Nigeria free of the Ebola virus after the evacuation of an infected patient to Ghana. The patient, who was confirmed to have the virus, was transported to a treatment center in Accra on June 15, 2026. This marks the end of a 12-month public health campaign aimed at containing the virus within the country.
Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of Communicable Diseases (NACCD) confirmed the evacuation as part of its efforts to ensure the virus did not spread further. The patient had been under observation in Oyo State, where local authorities had implemented strict quarantine measures. The WHO’s statement came after a 21-day monitoring period following the patient’s departure.
This is the second time Nigeria has been declared Ebola-free since the 2014 outbreak. The country had previously achieved this status in 2016, following a successful containment strategy. Health officials emphasized that the current declaration is a result of sustained community engagement, improved surveillance, and rapid response mechanisms. The WHO also praised the collaboration between Nigerian health workers and international partners during the containment process.
Nigeria’s experience with Ebola has shaped its public health policies. The country has since strengthened its disease surveillance systems and trained thousands of healthcare workers. The recent evacuation underscores the importance of regional cooperation in managing infectious diseases. As the WHO continues to monitor the situation, officials remain vigilant to prevent any resurgence of the virus.
