The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the medical evacuation of the country’s index patient and her husband to Switzerland.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, disclosed this in a statement published on his official X account on Monday, October 26, 2026, while commending Nigerian health authorities for their response to the infection.
The announcement comes hours after the woman, who was diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, was flown out of Abuja alongside her husband aboard a medical evacuation aircraft earlier on Monday.
WHO confirms Nigeria has zero cases
Janabi explained that the medical evacuation was authorised because both the patient and her husband hold Swiss citizenship, while the woman’s condition had improved sufficiently to permit her transfer under strict medical supervision.
Nigeria’s Ebola index patient evacuated to Switzerland by air ambulance
He noted that Nigerian healthcare professionals had successfully managed the patient through the most severe stage of the illness, stabilising her condition before arrangements were completed for her continued treatment in Switzerland.
“With the evacuation of the patient and her husband, Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases,” Janabi stated.
However, the WHO official emphasised that the development did not mark the end of Nigeria’s public health response, as authorities must continue monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
Nigeria will maintain surveillance of 52 identified contacts, while Swiss health authorities will assume responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband, who was listed as the 53rd contact.
Janabi also acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals and emergency response teams involved in managing the infection.
“On behalf of WHO and all partners, I warmly congratulate the Government of Nigeria, health workers, clinicians, emergency responders and all those involved in the response.”
