NCDC Deploys digital tools To improve disease surveillance and data collection in Kogi State.

The Kogi State Government has welcomed a team of NCDC Officials to Lokoja, the state capital, for a training program focused on disease surveillance and response. In a gracious address, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Dorcas Omeneke Enehe, assured the visitors of their safety and security during their stay.

The Commissioner emphasized that the visitors would be well-protected for the period of their assignment in the State. The visitors are participating in a training program on disease surveillance and response.

The Permanent Secretary urged the facilitators to ensure that participants acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their duties. She expressed gratitude for the partnership and collaboration between the state government and the visiting team, highlighting the potential of the training program to enhance disease surveillance and response in the state.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has introduced a digital tool aimed at improving disease surveillance and data collection nationwide. This tool, currently being implemented in health facilities across the country, facilitates the collection and transmission of data from health facilities to the local government, state and national levels.

According to the NCDC team lead, Mr Christopher Ibrahim, the tool is essential for informed decision-making, as data analysis plays a crucial role in identifying areas with high disease prevalence. Initially introduced to disease surveillance and notification officers, the training for the tool has now been extended to health facilities due to increased workload demands.

The deployment of the tool is being carried out in phases, with a focus on tertiary and secondary health facilities. There are plans in place to further extend the deployment to primary health facilities, ensuring direct data collection from the source.
NCDC has secured funding to deploy the tool to all 36 states, following a successful pilot program in six states.

The NCDC, as the technical lead, is supporting a training program for healthcare professionals, while NACA provides financial and logistical support. The program aims to enhance healthcare workers’ capacity in the state and is divided into two batches.

The NCDC and NACA teams began with a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health to inform them of their presence and activities. They then proceeded to a week-long training at Reverton Hotel. The teams acknowledged the support of the Hospital Management Board in identifying functional health facilities for the program.

The collaboration between the NCDC, NACA, and the Ministry of Health demonstrates a commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in the state. This initiative is expected to enhance the completeness and quality of data collected, ultimately contributing to improved disease surveillance and control in Nigeria.

The NCDC’s digital tool deployment is a significant step towards revolutionizing disease surveillance and data collection in Nigeria. With the support of partners like NACA, the Ministry of Health, and healthcare professionals, the country is poised to make significant strides in healthcare development.

Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of health