The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Zamfara chapter, says it is collaborating with major stakeholders to intensify surveillance and preventive measures against Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the state.

The state chairman, Muhammad Murtala, stated this at a press briefing in Gusau on Friday, marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week.

The theme for this year’s Physicians’ Week is “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”

Mr Murtala, who is the incident manager, Polio Emergency Operations Centre in the state, said the NMA, in collaboration with the state ministry of health and partners, had developed an incident action plan to create public awareness about Ebola.

He said the ministry of health had already met with critical medical stakeholders and public health experts to ensure active surveillance for the disease.

“Therefore, we are fully engaged and prepared to manage the situation in case of any Ebola case, to ensure it is carefully managed and to prevent further spread,” he said.

On polio, the NMA chairman said the state recorded 21 cases across seven local government areas.

He said although polio was eradicated in Zamfara in 2020, challenges such as hard-to-reach areas due to insecurity and non-compliance contributed to its re-emergence.

“We are now collaborating with partners such as WHO and UNICEF to ensure effective polio vaccination, especially to reach every child aged 0 to 59 months across the state,” he said.

On diphtheria, Mr Murtala disclosed that no fewer than 1,500 suspected cases were recorded in the state, with only four confirmed through laboratory tests.

He said some deaths related to diphtheria were also recorded.

According to him, Physicians’ Week is an important annual event that celebrates the contributions of medical doctors to national development.

He said it also provides an opportunity to reflect on challenges confronting the medical profession and chart a sustainable path towards strengthening healthcare delivery.

“This year’s theme is particularly timely, considering the evolving global healthcare challenges, increasing disease burden, emerging technologies and workforce shortages,” he said.

He noted that significant challenges remained, including the growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, inadequate human resources, medical brain drain and rising healthcare costs.

“These require deliberate, coordinated and sustainable responses,” he added.

Mr Murtala said securing the future of medicine demands renewed commitment to strengthening healthcare financing and improving the welfare and working conditions of medical professionals.

He also stressed the need to expand access to quality healthcare, promote research and innovation, and ensure that no community was left behind.

“The quality of any healthcare system is ultimately determined not only by its facilities but also by the competence, motivation and wellbeing of its professionals,” he said.

He said the NMA would continue to advocate for policies that protect the medical profession, promote patient safety and advance universal access to quality healthcare.

He added that activities marking the week included a scientific session on polio in Zamfara, applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and diphtheria case management.

He noted that the presentations were carefully selected to address critical public health concerns and expose members to emerging innovations in medical practice.

(NAN)