The World Health Organisation has explained that Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola patient was evacuated to Switzerland because of her Swiss citizenship and improved medical condition.
According to TheCable, WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi disclosed the reasons on Monday, October 26, 2026, following the patient’s departure from Abuja.
Janabi confirmed that the woman and her husband, who is also a Swiss citizen, travelled aboard a medical evacuation aircraft.
The evacuation followed treatment provided by Nigerian healthcare workers after the patient tested positive for Ebola earlier in October.
WHO praises Nigerian doctors over Ebola treatment
The WHO official explained that the patient’s condition had improved sufficiently to permit a carefully managed medical transfer.
He disclosed that Nigerian medical personnel successfully stabilised her during the acute phase of the illness.
“The patient is clinically stable,” Janabi said while explaining the reasons behind the evacuation.
The medical aircraft reportedly departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 6 a.m.
Switzerland will assume responsibility for the woman’s continued treatment and the monitoring of her husband.
Janabi commended Nigerian clinicians, emergency responders and public health officials for their handling of the case.
Nigeria continues monitoring 52 Ebola contacts
The WHO confirmed that Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts linked to the infection.
The figure represents the remaining contacts following the departure of the patient and her husband, who had been identified as contact number 53.
Although the WHO indicated that Nigeria had no confirmed Ebola patient remaining in the country, surveillance measures remain necessary.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, had earlier warned that clinical improvement did not necessarily mean the patient was no longer infectious.
Health authorities are therefore maintaining contact tracing, testing arrangements and infection prevention procedures.
The WHO urged continued vigilance to prevent further transmission while the patient’s treatment proceeds in Switzerland.
