Ebola: NCAA tasks airlines, ATCs on high level of vigilance
In a swift move to adopt a prevention measure following news of the resurgence of the incurable Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all operators, especially airlines operating regional and international flights into the country, to exercise a high level of vigilance.
This directive comes on the heels of a declaration made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the outbreak of the deadly disease in the DRC recently, calling for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in line with International Health Regulations (IHR).
In a statement made available to TW, the Authority said the directive was contained in a letter signed by the NCAA Director-General, Capt. Usman Muhtar, and has since been sent to all airline operators.
In the letter, NCAA has directed that “airlines’ Pilots in Command (PIC) of aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease onboard their flight in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4.
In case of a suspected case of communicable disease onboard an aircraft, aircrew are required to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.17.4 and 18.8.22.5 respectively.
Thereafter, completed forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the destination aerodrome.
In addition, airlines are to ensure they have an onboard valid and appropriate number of First Aid kits, Universal Precaution Kits (UPKs) and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig.CARS 7.9.1.11 and 7.9.1.12.
Airlines are to refresh the knowledge of their Crew members (flight deck and cabin crew) for improved and sustained proficiency in handling and communication with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board.
In case of death to a patient, operating airlines should endeavour to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.
Airlines are to report to NCAA in writing any suspected case of communicable disease onboard any flight.”
The NCAA also enjoined the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to report suspected cases of communicable diseases on board aircraft to the Port Health Services for an immediate response, in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.22.4.
The Authority noted that it expects strict compliance from the airlines and ATCs, and called for collaboration with all relevant agencies to prevent the incursion of Ebola or any communicable disease into the country.
