Nigeria may be able to announce it is Ebola‑free as early as 7 December 2026, provided that no further confirmed or probable cases are recorded and the surveillance window is validated by health authorities. The provisional deadline was disclosed on Monday by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, after the nation’s imported index patient was flown to Switzerland for advanced treatment.
**What is the basis for the December 7 target?**
The minister explained that the 42‑day countdown begins once the last case is cleared, but it must be confirmed by the [Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)](https://www.ncdc.gov.ng/) and the [World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int/). He stressed that the date is conditional, not a formal declaration of the outbreak’s end, and any new confirmed or probable infection would restart the monitoring period.
**Key facts:**
- The index patient was evacuated on 26 October 2026.
- The surveillance period required by international guidelines is 42 days.
- The target date of 7 December 2026 hinges on the absence of new cases during that window.
- Pate said, “Our immediate priorities remain active monitoring of all identified contacts, prompt investigation of alerts and strengthened readiness across our health facilities.”
- Response teams are collaborating with the [Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)](https://fcta.gov.ng/), state health authorities and partner organisations to curb the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
**How are authorities responding?**
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, together with state health ministries, is intensifying contact‑tracing efforts, enhancing laboratory capacity, and ensuring that hospitals are prepared for any potential cases. The minister urged the public to stay calm, cooperate with tracing teams, and rely on official updates from the NCDC and the Federal Ministry of Health.
**Why is this significant for Nigeria?**
Ebola, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, poses a severe public‑health threat, and swift containment is crucial to prevent community transmission. Declaring the country Ebola‑free would signal successful containment and restore confidence in Nigeria’s health security measures.
The health ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue a formal declaration only after the surveillance period is completed without any new infections. Nigerians are encouraged to follow guidance from health officials and remain vigilant until the outbreak is officially declared over.