The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has requested the observance of a high level vigilance by the airlines, especially those operating international and regional flights into the country.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, made the request in a statement issued in Lagos.
Adurogboye said that a circular Ref. No. NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol.1/196 dated May 11, 2018 and signed by the agency’s Director General, Captain Muhtar Usman, had been dispatched to all the airlines.
He explained that the airlines have been informed of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 8.
He, however, said that the outbreak in DRC was yet to be declared a Public Health Event of International Concern by the World Health Organisation.
“Notwithstanding, the NCAA, Federal Ministry of Health and all other relevant agencies have been taking concerted steps to ensure the virus does not creep into Nigeria.
“To forestall the EVD infiltration, the regulatory authority has therefore directed all airlines to carry out these measures in the interim.
“Pilots-in-Command of an aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control any suspected case of communicable disease onboard their flights in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4,” he said.
Adurogboye said in case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are required to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.17.4 and 18.8.22.5, respectively.
He said the completed General Declaration and Public Health Passenger Locator forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services of the destination Aerodrome.
Adurogboye said airlines should ensure that they have on board, valid and appropriate number of First Aid kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig. CARs 7.9.1.12.
He said they are to refresh the knowledge of their crew members in the handling and communicating with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board.
“Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.
“Airlines are to report to the authority in writing of any suspected case of communicable disease in flight,” he said.
NCAA, according to him, would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that the Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan developed for the guidance of aviation stakeholders are adhered to.
He said these steps would prevent the importation of any communicable disease into Nigeria through air borders, especially the airports.
- NAN