The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesday directed all airlines operating regional and international flights into Nigeria to exercise a high level of vigilance due to the spread of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
To this end, Afriupdate reports that all airline operators have since been sent a letter from the NCAA Director General.
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The Nigerian agency gave the directive after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The WHO declaration is in line with International Health Regulations (IHR).
The NCAA, in the letter, directed that airlines’ Pilots in Command (PIC) of aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease on board their flight in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4.
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 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.
Also, according to the letter, airlines are 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.
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.
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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 on board any flight.
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