The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering health security across the South-East, aiming to enhance disease prevention and overall health outcomes across the region.
Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), gave this assurance during a working visit to Enugu State on Tuesday. The inspection focused on the uncompleted South-East high-definition molecular laboratory, Ebola preparedness at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and other critical health infrastructure.
Mr Idris underscored the urgent need for at least one high-definition molecular laboratory in the zone to facilitate rapid detection of pathogens such as Ebola and to verify suspected cases without delay. He noted that the team’s assessment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) also revealed that erosion poses a threat to the laboratory site.
“The inspection aims to expedite completion and eliminate the need for samples to travel long distances for testing,” he explained. He expressed concern that several states lack such facilities and reiterated that zonal deployment of these laboratories would significantly strengthen national health security.
Citing poor maintenance culture, the Director-General announced plans to establish a tripartite maintenance agreement involving the NCDC, the Enugu State Government, and UNTH. He also stressed the importance of Ebola preparedness, naming Enugu among ten high-risk states due to international arrivals at Akanu Ibiam Airport.
“With no cure or vaccine for Ebola, our best defence is robust prevention and closing all identified gaps,” Mr Idris stated. He outlined a strategy of multi-stakeholder collaboration, capacity-building support, and targeted funding, adding that a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Prevention has already been activated.
He further revealed that his tour would include medical isolation centres, with a view to helping the state establish at least one fully equipped standard facility, staffed by competent personnel. He urged all states to intensify surveillance efforts, especially as the country currently grapples with or seeks to avert ten concurrent disease outbreaks. Stockpiling vaccines, drugs, consumables, and protective equipment was also advised.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, called for closer NCDC collaboration and assistance in building a standard isolation centre. He appealed for manpower development, additional equipment, and enhanced funding for surveillance operations.
Professor Ugwu praised Governor Dr Peter Mbah’s significant healthcare investments, including 260 primary health centres, 54 secondary hospitals, two tertiary institutions, and the newly established Enugu International Hospital, designed to attract medical tourism. He assured the NCDC team of the Governor’s unwavering dedication to residents’ health security and well-being.
