Africa CDC Acknowledges Nigeria’s Leadership in Health Innovation and Pandemic Preparedness

Nigeria has received recognition from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a leader in health innovation and pandemic preparedness across the continent. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director-General of Africa CDC, made this acknowledgment during his visit to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Abuja. The visit aimed to strengthen collaborations, share expertise, and promote a healthier future for Nigeria and the African continent.

Dr. Kaseya commended Nigeria for its achievements in healthcare and recognized the role of Prof. Muhammed Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, in shaping the nation’s healthcare agenda. He stressed the significance of being a leader in healthcare, noting that it has implications not only for Nigeria but for the entire continent.

The urgency of pandemic prevention and response was a central topic of discussion, with Dr. Kaseya highlighting the evidence of new outbreaks on the continent. He emphasized the importance of a One Health Approach involving multiple ministries to address the issue effectively.

Dr. Kaseya celebrated African scientists’ contributions to global health, including the discovery of the Omicron variant. He encouraged other countries to learn from Nigeria’s approach to emergency operation centers and stressed the need for local manufacturing of medical supplies to reduce dependence on external sources.

The vision of Africa CDC centers on the 4Cs: Community involvement, Connectivity through digital platforms, Cash for financial resources, and Commodities like vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Dr. Kaseya discussed these principles with the Nigerian Minister of Health and their alignment with the country’s agenda.

In his remarks, Prof. Pate emphasized the need for coordination and collaboration in addressing infectious disease outbreaks, given that diseases know no boundaries and can quickly spread. He also emphasized the broader impact of outbreaks on national economies and the importance of coordination among government agencies involved in healthcare.

Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director General of NCDC, highlighted the agency’s priorities, including strengthening collaboration, building health security workforce capacity, and enhancing laboratory services, public health surveillance, and outbreak response.

The acknowledgment from Africa CDC underscores Nigeria’s role as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions and pandemic preparedness, signifying its commitment to the well-being of its people and the broader African community.