The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a
warning to airlines over the resurgence of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease
(EVD).
This followed the World Health Organization’s declaration of
Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Consequently, the NCAA directed all operators, especially
airlines operating regional and international flights into the country, to
exercise a high level of vigilance.
Spokesman of the NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said the directive
was contained in a letter signed by the NCAA Director General, Capt. Muhtar
Usman to all airline operators. In the letter, NCAA directed airlines’ Pilots
in Command (PIC) to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of
communicable disease on board their flight in line with Civil Aviation
Regulations (Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4).
The NCAA explained that in case of a suspected case of
communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are required to fill the
General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms as
required by the regulations.
Thereafter, completed forms are to be submitted to the Port
Health Services (PHS) of the destination aerodrome, NCAA said. The authority
also directed operators to contact Port Health Services for clearance before
importing human remains into the country in the event of death of a patient.
“Airlines are to report to NCAA in writing any suspected
case of communicable disease on board any flight,” the NCAA said.
Airlines were also advised to “ensure they have on board
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.”
They were also required 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.
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