Posted on: Thu 23-11-2017

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has lauded the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for it proactive strategy and implementation plan 2017 - 2021 towards tackling epidemic outbreak in Nigeria.

The Hon. Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Clement Uwaifo stated this during the launching of the strategic plan document in Abuja.

Prof. Adewole, commended the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu and the Staff of the centre for their proactive response towards epidemic outbreaks despite difficult contexts in which they operate. 

He explained the strategic plan as an essential document in the development of an organisation which would improve quick response to outbreak of diseases in Nigeria.

The Minister pledged that the ministry would continue to support NCDC in protecting the health of Nigerian citizens. He also urged stakeholders to support the centre in this regards.

Earlier, in his remark, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare and Communicable Disease, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, said that a bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, would be passed by the National Assembly before the end of the year.

He assured the Centre of the Senate’s continuous support in achieving its objectives of prevention and control of diseases in the country.

“With the prevalence of disease outbreak in Nigeria, we are geared and ready to collaborate with NCDC to ensure that we achieve the universal healthcare coverage of health for all in 2020”

In his presentation, Dr. Ihekweazu noted that the five key strategic goals were to Accurately measure the burden of infectious diseases in Nigeria, Ensure Nigeria meets its international obligations under the international health regulations, Develop a public health laboratory network to support the detection, Prevent and respond to critical infectious diseases and Reduce the adverse impact of predictable and unpredicted public health emergencies.

He informed that a performance management structure had been instituted to oversee and coordinate the execution of the multiple initiatives, as well as evaluate the progress made so far towards achieving the strategic goals.

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