As Ebola once again threatens parts of Africa, community pharmacists in Akwa Ibom State say they are prepared to play their frontline role in protecting residents through early detection, public education, and prompt referrals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The renewed concern comes as the state government continues to strengthen healthcare delivery under Governor Umo Eno, with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, leading efforts to improve disease surveillance and emergency response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many Nigerians, especially at the community level, pharmacists are often the first point of contact when illness strikes. Their accessibility places them in a strategic position to identify suspected cases early, dispel dangerous myth, and direct patients to appropriate healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to global public health guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective Ebola preparedness depends on rapid coordination, surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention, public education, safe burials, laboratory diagnosis, uninterrupted supply of personal protective equipment and psychosocial support for affected families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community pharmacists say they are ready to support these response pillars.
Pharmacist Marvelene Ekott recalled Nigeria’s successful battle against Ebola in 2014, noting that pharmacies became the first destination for many frightened citizens long before they visited hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In 2014, misinformation spread almost as fast as the virus. People believed salt water and bitter kola could prevent Ebola. Community pharmacists corrected those false claims, educated the public on proper hygiene, discouraged handshake, and ensured suspected cases were referred immediately,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her warning comes against the backdrop of renewed Ebola activity on the continent.
After the Democratic Republic of Congo declared its 16th Ebola outbreak in September 2025 and officially ended it in December, another outbreak involving the rare Bundibugyo strain emerged in May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By June 2026, the outbreak had infected more than 1,100 people and claimed nearly 300 lives, with confirmed cases spreading into Uganda. The situation has prompted heightened international concern and renewed calls for stronger preparedness across Africa.
Ekott stressed that although there is currently no widely available licensed vaccine specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain, pharmacists remain critical in preventing panic through accurate health information and community engagement.
She explained that pharmacies also serve as important centres for maintaining access to essential medicines during public health emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“People still need treatment for malaria, hypertension, diabetes and other illnesses during an Ebola outbreak. Community pharmacists help prevent panic buying, discourage self-medication, and ensure medicines and protective supplies remain available,” she said.
She added that pharmacists also function as community disease surveillance officers by recognising warning signs such as sudden fever, vomiting, and possible exposure history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In 2014, pharmacists isolated suspected patients where possible, used basic personal protective equipment and referred cases to health authorities. That early reporting contributed significantly to Nigeria containing Ebola within 93 days,” she noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond clinical care, pharmacists also play an important role in reducing stigma.
During previous outbreaks, they encouraged survivors to reintegrate into their communities and ensured patients with chronic illnesses continued receiving treatment despite widespread fear of visiting hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health experts believe those responsibilities remain just as important today, as fear and misinformation continue to discourage early reporting of suspected infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community pharmacists are, therefore, calling for continuous training, adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, and full integration into state and national disease surveillance systems.
Their message is clear: community pharmacies are more than medicine shops\u2014they are frontline public health centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Africa confronts another Ebola threat, Akwa Ibom’s community pharmacists insist they stand ready to educate, detect, refer and protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lessons of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola victory remain relevant today. Preparedness begins in the community, and community pharmacists are determined to remain at the heart of that response.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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