NSCIA issues health advisory as Nigeria confirms Ebola case

* Urges calm, tasks Chief Imams and Islamic scholars with public enlightenment

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for stronger surveillance, public awareness and preventive measures.

The Council also urged Muslims suspected of infection to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment, while calling on Islamic scholars and Chief Imams to intensify public health awareness through Friday sermons and community engagements.

In a press release dated Wednesday, October 21, and signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, the NSCIA said the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the discovery on Tuesday, October 20, following laboratory confirmation of a case in the FCT.

The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for their efforts to contain the disease and prevent its spread.

It urged federal and state authorities to intensify surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and healthcare facility preparedness, while ensuring adequate protection for healthcare workers and the timely dissemination of accurate information.

Explaining the risks associated with the disease, the NSCIA said Ebola is a highly contagious and potentially fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people who have developed symptoms, contaminated materials, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease.

Infection may also occur through contact with infected wild animals.

The Council listed symptoms that may develop within two to 21 days of exposure, including fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding.

It noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak has no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care can significantly improve survival.

The NSCIA advised Nigerians to wash their hands regularly, avoid direct contact with suspected cases and their bodily fluids, and promptly report suspected infections to the appropriate health authorities through the NCDC toll-free number, 6232.

It further urged people experiencing suspected symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical guidance.

The Council called on the public to cooperate with contact tracing efforts, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from stigmatising affected individuals and their families.

Islamic scholars urged to intensify awareness

Addressing the Muslim Ummah, the NSCIA said the preservation of life, known in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, is among the fundamental objectives of Islamic law, Maqasid al-Shari’ah.

It cited Qur’an 2:195, which states: “And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction,” and recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) guidance on restricting unnecessary movement into and out of areas affected by infectious disease outbreaks.

The Council called on Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements to educate the public about Ebola prevention.

It also advised anyone who develops symptoms that could be associated with a serious infectious disease to seek medical attention promptly, avoid exposing others to possible infection and follow health professionals’ instructions regarding movement and treatment.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health education, the NSCIA said it was ready to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention efforts.

The Council urged Nigerians to remain calm and act responsibly, stressing that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care are complementary rather than contradictory.

It prayed for Allah’s protection over Nigeria and humanity, healing for the afflicted and strength for healthcare workers responding to the outbreak.

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