The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Nigeria currently has no active Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of the country’s only confirmed patient and her husband to Switzerland.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Janabi, disclosed the development in a post on X on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Janabi explained that the patient and her husband, both Swiss citizens, were evacuated aboard a medical aircraft after her health improved following treatment in Nigeria.
He confirmed that Nigerian healthcare professionals successfully stabilised the woman during the acute phase of her illness, making the medical transfer possible.
WHO praises Nigerian medical team over Ebola response
The WHO official commended Nigerian medical personnel and emergency responders for their efforts in managing the confirmed infection.
He also congratulated the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in coordinating the country’s public health response.
Janabi described the successful management and evacuation of the patient as an achievement demonstrating the capabilities of African healthcare professionals.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to what Africa can accomplish when we work together,” he said.
The evacuation followed an earlier announcement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, confirming the departure of the patient and her husband.
Nigeria continues monitoring 52 Ebola contacts
Despite the development, Janabi stressed that Nigeria must maintain surveillance and continue monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
The country will continue following up on 52 identified contacts, while Switzerland will oversee the patient’s continued treatment.
Swiss authorities will also monitor her husband, who was previously identified as the 53rd contact.
“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” Janabi stated.
The WHO official maintained that continued vigilance remained necessary to prevent further transmission.
Nigeria confirmed its first imported case of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Abuja on October 20, following the patient’s arrival from Uganda earlier in the month.
Health authorities subsequently activated emergency response measures, including contact tracing, laboratory investigations and infection prevention procedures.
The WHO’s announcement means Nigeria currently has no confirmed patient receiving treatment within the country. However, ongoing contact monitoring remains necessary and the declaration does not mean the risk of further infections has ended.
