WHO Declares Nigeria Free of Active Ebola Cases After Patient’s Evacuation

According to a report by PUNCH on October 26, 2026, Nigeria has been declared free of active Ebola cases following the evacuation of the country’s index patient and her husband to Switzerland. The World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohammed Janabi, made this declaration today. He, however, stressed the need for continued vigilance as health authorities monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Janabi disclosed that the patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, were evacuated earlier in the day after Nigerian medical personnel stabilised her condition. According to him, the Nigerian medical team successfully managed the patient through the acute phase of the illness before her transfer to Switzerland for continued treatment.

He congratulated the Federal Government, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners involved in containing the infection, describing the development as a demonstration of Africa’s public health capabilities.

“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” Janabi stated.

Despite the development, the WHO official said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the confirmed case. Meanwhile, Switzerland would assume responsibility for the patient’s continued treatment and the monitoring of her husband, identified as contact number 53.

It should be noted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, had earlier confirmed the evacuation. He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and obtain information from credible sources.

Although the patient’s transfer means Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases, authorities are expected to sustain surveillance and public health measures to prevent a possible resurgence.

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