x

COVID-19: Nigeria lauds Africa CDC, WHO for providing trainings

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the proactive steps by Africa CDC to National Public Health Institutes in strengthening the response capacity of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is commendable.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director General (NCDC) made the commendation while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Ihekweazut said that when the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in China, AfricaCDC and World Health Organisation Africa Region (WHOAFRO) were proactive in preparing countries in Africa.

He said that the agencies provided training to laboratory, risk communication, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and case management personnel in Nigeria.

The director-general stated that the personnel who were trained were tasked with the responsibility of training more colleagues in Nigeria.

He noted that this enabled better preparedness when the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the country, as laboratory scientists in the five Molecular Laboratories had been trained and risk communications had begun.

Ihekweazu said that the AfricaCDC has supported the deployment of additional human resource across states in the country.

“We’ve also received critical laboratory and medical supplies from AU through the AfricaCDC to strengthen the response capacity in African countries.

“We’re grateful for the coordination and leadership provided by AfricaCDC including regular learning sessions among National Public Health Institutes in Africa, as we respond to COVID19 in the country,” he said.

NAN recalls that on Feb. 27, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, confirmed a case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Lagos.

The patient, a male Italian, travelled from Milan to Lagos on Feb. 25.

He was confirmed positive to the virus infection at the Virology Laboratory, Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Africa CDC deployed one epidemiologist to Nigeria to support assessment and response to the outbreak, and has shipped 1,000 COVID-19 laboratory test kits to the country.

This is in addition to test kits provided to representatives of Nigeria who attended the training on COVID-19 laboratory diagnostics organised by Africa CDC for 16 African countries in Dakar, Senegal, three weeks after the case was announced, and other test kits supplied by the WHO.

NAN also reports that Africa CDC strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions.

It also partners to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes. 

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Ododo Hails Naeem’s Appointment as Ajaokuta Steel MD

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed...

Praises FCT Minister for Making Abuja Smart City

·   SAYS AKOGATE IS THE BEST IN NIGERIA The Minister of...

Declares 12th June, 2025 Public Holiday

By Francis Wilfred  The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th...

Report on NIN Registration Delay in 256 Prisons Inaccurate – Official

By Francis Wilfred  The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service...

Diri Calls for Global Unity to Protect Coastal Communities at Unoc 2025

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri,...

Army committed to boosting morale of troops-COAS

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant...

Sokoto Gov Gifts 3,200 Pilgrims 1,000 Saudi Riyals Each

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto  The gift, approximately ₦450,000 was an...

Senate Lauds NCDMB’s Local Content Strides, Commits to Legislative Support

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  The Senate Committee on Local Content, during...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img