Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #NCDCSundayReflections
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The last 4 days have been busier than normal for us at @NCDCgov
We‘ve been responding to our 1st #COVID19 case, & associated panic. One thing we’re grateful for, is that the structures we built in the last 4 years have enabled our response in last 4 days
#NCDCSundayReflections
We‘ve been responding to our 1st #COVID19 case, & associated panic. One thing we’re grateful for, is that the structures we built in the last 4 years have enabled our response in last 4 days
#NCDCSundayReflections
Within 12 hours of the case presenting at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, we carried out laboratory tests, confirmed #COVID19 and issued a press release. Within 24 hours, we updated our advisory for the general public and other response activities
There has been a lot of concern globally, about the capacity of African countries to respond in the event of #COVID19 outbreak
One clear difference between the 2014 Ebola outbreak and now, is the rise of regional health institutes- @OoasWaho & @AfricaCDC
#NCDCSundayReflections
One clear difference between the 2014 Ebola outbreak and now, is the rise of regional health institutes- @OoasWaho & @AfricaCDC
#NCDCSundayReflections
Since the beginning of the #COVID19 outbreak in China, our coordination in Africa has been anchored by structures developed by @WHOAFRO, @AfricaCDC & @OoasWaho
These institutions have created a platform for collaboration, data sharing, training & capacity building
These institutions have created a platform for collaboration, data sharing, training & capacity building
Through @AfricaCDC, colleagues from Member States have been trained in various areas in the last one month:
*Laboratory diagnosis
*Infection prevention and control
*Point of entry surveillance
*Risk communications
The use of regional resources for these training is exemplary!
*Laboratory diagnosis
*Infection prevention and control
*Point of entry surveillance
*Risk communications
The use of regional resources for these training is exemplary!
Last week, I was honoured to be part of the global research and innovation forum on #COVID19 convened by @WHO. The discussions we had and decisions made will be key in defining outbreak response activities now and in the long term
#NCDCSundayReflections
#NCDCSundayReflections
We held important, sometimes difficult but critical discussions to develop a plan that will enable the global community access to interventions for us to quickly control the #COVID19 emergency
A research roadmap has been developed and can be accessed via who.int/blueprint/prio…
A research roadmap has been developed and can be accessed via who.int/blueprint/prio…
I applaud @WHO’s role in bringing various stakeholders together to agree on science, especially in a field where there is a race for recognition & resources
The forum had representation at leadership level of @AfricaCDC @wellcometrust @CEPIvaccines @LSMOH, other stakeholders
The forum had representation at leadership level of @AfricaCDC @wellcometrust @CEPIvaccines @LSMOH, other stakeholders
We can mitigate the impact of outbreaks by adequately funding national public health institutes at all times
Like @DrTomFrieden says, we must move from being reactive to stable, substantial & sustainable funding for outbreak preparedness #NCDCSundayReflections
Like @DrTomFrieden says, we must move from being reactive to stable, substantial & sustainable funding for outbreak preparedness #NCDCSundayReflections
The 2017 Joint External Evaluation & the midterm assessment in 2019 in Nigeria, helped us assess our capacity to detect, prevent & respond to outbreaks
Importantly, it helped us identify critical gaps that exist. To close these gaps,we need increased funding for health security
Importantly, it helped us identify critical gaps that exist. To close these gaps,we need increased funding for health security
Tackling emerging infectious diseases such as the novel #coronavirus, requires substantial investment in national public health institutes
During large outbreaks, the focus should be on activating these systems to respond and not on developing new systems
Invest in peace time
During large outbreaks, the focus should be on activating these systems to respond and not on developing new systems
Invest in peace time
In these critical times, the rapid spread of false information can be alarming and harmful.
“The decisions we make need to be guided by facts, not fear or panic” @DrTedros
#NCDCSundayReflections
“The decisions we make need to be guided by facts, not fear or panic” @DrTedros
#NCDCSundayReflections
In strengthening our surveillance & preparedness for the novel #coronavirus, we’ve put in place significant measures
We‘ve agreed an initial national case definition to identify suspect cases
We‘ll review these criteria as additional information on #nCoV2019 becomes available
We‘ve agreed an initial national case definition to identify suspect cases
We‘ll review these criteria as additional information on #nCoV2019 becomes available
On the 1st of February, we validated our capacity to test for the novel #coronavirus at the @NCDCgov National Reference Laboratory(NRL)
This means that we are now able to test samples from patients that meet the national case definition of the novel #coronavirus here in #Nigeria
This means that we are now able to test samples from patients that meet the national case definition of the novel #coronavirus here in #Nigeria
Increase in the no. of Lassa fever cases across the country has left many Nigerians asking why it keeps recurring
The answer is not lack of preparedness!
We are victims of our own success. Improved awareness & capacity to detect = detection of more cases
#NCDCSundayReflections
The answer is not lack of preparedness!
We are victims of our own success. Improved awareness & capacity to detect = detection of more cases
#NCDCSundayReflections
The Lassa fever virus is spread by infected rats. These rats are found nearly everywhere in our environment and are very difficult to eliminate
With infected rats and without a vaccine, our country and several others, remain at high risk of #Lassafever transmission
With infected rats and without a vaccine, our country and several others, remain at high risk of #Lassafever transmission
Over the last 3 years, we‘ve invested in our diagnostic capacity for #Lassafever
In 2016, we had only 2 labs in #Nigeria for #Lassafever testing. Currently, there are 5 molecular labs running at full capacity & providing testing for all states in the country. 1 new lab=N100M
In 2016, we had only 2 labs in #Nigeria for #Lassafever testing. Currently, there are 5 molecular labs running at full capacity & providing testing for all states in the country. 1 new lab=N100M
"The boundaries we hold dear aren't respected by infectious diseases"
The recent emergence of a novel #coronavirus in Wuhan, China & its spread to other countries within weeks reminds us of the threat infectious diseases pose to all countries
#NCDCSundayReflections
The recent emergence of a novel #coronavirus in Wuhan, China & its spread to other countries within weeks reminds us of the threat infectious diseases pose to all countries
#NCDCSundayReflections
The emergence of the novel #coronavirus in Wuhan China and report of cases in Japan and Thailand, has raised concerns in countries.
Though the risk of spread to Nigeria is moderate according to @WHO, we remain at alert & continue to strengthen preparedness
Though the risk of spread to Nigeria is moderate according to @WHO, we remain at alert & continue to strengthen preparedness
We commend the pace at which China generated the genetic sequence of the virus and made the information available to the global health community.
This is a step in the right direction which will aid further understanding of the virus and define response activities.
This is a step in the right direction which will aid further understanding of the virus and define response activities.
Last week, it was an honour to host the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire at our @NCDCgov National Reference Laboratory (NRL)
Deeply grateful for HMH's leadership and commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s public health lab network
#NCDCSundayReflections
Deeply grateful for HMH's leadership and commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s public health lab network
#NCDCSundayReflections
With our network of labs mostly for epidemic prone diseases we support;
* Supply chain management
* Preventive & corrective maintenance
* Training & capacity building
* Standardisation of testing methods
& other functions
We’re building a public health lab network,for #Nigeria
* Supply chain management
* Preventive & corrective maintenance
* Training & capacity building
* Standardisation of testing methods
& other functions
We’re building a public health lab network,for #Nigeria
While hosting the Honourable Minister at the National Reference Lab, we shared our commitment to build on the structure we have developed for the NCDC network of labs and ensure improved coverage across #Nigeria
Last week, we released a public health advisory on #Lassafever
During the dry season, as a result of ecological factors, there is usually a rise in Lassa fever cases
.@NCDCgov & partners have worked hard to continuously improve preparedness & response
#NCDCSundayReflections
During the dry season, as a result of ecological factors, there is usually a rise in Lassa fever cases
.@NCDCgov & partners have worked hard to continuously improve preparedness & response
#NCDCSundayReflections
With support from @FINDdx,we expanded our #Lassafever laboratories from 4 to 5
Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, has a new lab with brand new equipment and other supplies required for #Lassafever diagnosis
Prior to this, @PandoraIDNet had supported Owo with a mobile lab
Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, has a new lab with brand new equipment and other supplies required for #Lassafever diagnosis
Prior to this, @PandoraIDNet had supported Owo with a mobile lab
Our #Lassafever surveillance database has been fully harmonised
This means we’ve established a strong surveillance system using @SORMAS_NG that has case-based data from previous years, & through which outbreaks can be reported early
Data determines all our response activities
This means we’ve established a strong surveillance system using @SORMAS_NG that has case-based data from previous years, & through which outbreaks can be reported early
Data determines all our response activities
This year, I have enjoyed sharing our experience at @NCDCgov through the #NCDCSundayReflections.
Each week provided an opportunity to share our progress or challenges or plans.
Today, I will share reasons we are grateful for the year 2019
Each week provided an opportunity to share our progress or challenges or plans.
Today, I will share reasons we are grateful for the year 2019
I am grateful for the progress we made this year, some of which I shared in my latest opinion piece
link.medium.com/Wo7qYtX6K2
link.medium.com/Wo7qYtX6K2
I am deeply grateful to the #NCDCTeam who go over and beyond in the delivery of our mandate to protect the health of Nigerians.
An incredible honour to lead such a great Team
An incredible honour to lead such a great Team
This week was about celebrating the excellent work done by the #NCDCTeam across our three campuses in Lagos and Abuja, in 2019.
It has been another long but greatly fulfilling year and I’m proud of our work
#NCDCSundayReflections
It has been another long but greatly fulfilling year and I’m proud of our work
#NCDCSundayReflections
At the end of year townhall, our Departments shared the progress they have made in the implementation of our agency’s strategy plan.
Our Administrative Department spoke about the various organisational improvement initiatives that have been implemented this year
Our Administrative Department spoke about the various organisational improvement initiatives that have been implemented this year
Our Laboratory Department spoke about the progress they have made this year, in establishing a new research lab and carrying out research on various pathogens, developing molecular diagnostic and sequencing capacity, improving the coordination of the network of labs and others
During the week, Fellows from our @IANPHIhealth/@CDCgov supported IMPACT course graduated and presented feedback from the 6-month programme.
The growth of public health leaders at NCDC and other organisations is inspiring
#NCDCSundayReflections
The growth of public health leaders at NCDC and other organisations is inspiring
#NCDCSundayReflections
The "Improving Public Health Management for Action" course (IMPACT) had midlevel managers from NCDC attending. We also opened this to our close partners from the FCT Epidemiology Unit, @AfenetNigeria & @GU_CGHPI in Nigeria
This is part of our vision to build leadership skills
This is part of our vision to build leadership skills
Over the months, I witnessed a remarkable change in work-ethics among several colleagues as the course progressed.
It is deeply inspiring to see colleagues grow on to take more responsibilities and show more leadership- the IMPACT course focused on these areas
It is deeply inspiring to see colleagues grow on to take more responsibilities and show more leadership- the IMPACT course focused on these areas
I am incredibly proud of our network of national public health institutes and @NCDCgov ‘s role in this.
Last week, we were part of @IANPHIhealth annual meeting hosted in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
#NCDCSundayReflections
Last week, we were part of @IANPHIhealth annual meeting hosted in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia
#NCDCSundayReflections
At the beginning of the week, we were part of the new @AfricaCDC_IWD Leadership and Management Course for Directors of National Public Health Institutes in Africa.
Proud of the leadership from my brother @JNkengasong and his Team in creating a new public health order in Africa
Proud of the leadership from my brother @JNkengasong and his Team in creating a new public health order in Africa
At @IANPHIhealth meeting, we provided feedback on @NCDCgov’s journey in the last 2 years, & the strong collaboration we‘ve built with other NPHIs- @rki_de @CDCgov @PHE_uk
Also spoke about our support to @NPHIL6 through @OoasWaho, during the 2019 #Lassafever outbreak in Liberia
Also spoke about our support to @NPHIL6 through @OoasWaho, during the 2019 #Lassafever outbreak in Liberia
Last week, we hosted the #NCDCPartners Day.
Over the last three years, we have built and strengthened partnerships with national, regional and global organisations. Several institutions work closely with us in protecting the health of #Nigerians
#NCDCSundayReflections
Over the last three years, we have built and strengthened partnerships with national, regional and global organisations. Several institutions work closely with us in protecting the health of #Nigerians
#NCDCSundayReflections
Building partnerships requires a lot of investment.
At @NCDCgov, we have spent some of the last 3 years building our internal capacity to work with partners, manage funds, implement activities, develop and maintain trust.
At @NCDCgov, we have spent some of the last 3 years building our internal capacity to work with partners, manage funds, implement activities, develop and maintain trust.
More importantly, the development of the NCDC Strategy Plan & the National Action Plan for Health Security means that we are able to clearly outline our priorities and define expected outputs.
This is a critical aspect of country ownership.
This is a critical aspect of country ownership.
Over the last one week, we had series of major activities at @NCDCgov.
One of this was the commemoration of the World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Proud to share the progress we have made with #AMRactionNG since 2017
#NCDCSundayReflections
One of this was the commemoration of the World Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Proud to share the progress we have made with #AMRactionNG since 2017
#NCDCSundayReflections
In 2017, the Honourable Minister of Health at the time asked @NCDCgov to serve as the secretariat for the AMR response in Nigeria.
Since then, we have worked with @Fmohnigeria @FmardNg @FMEnvng, academia and partners to develop & strengthen Nigeria’s capacity on AMR
Since then, we have worked with @Fmohnigeria @FmardNg @FMEnvng, academia and partners to develop & strengthen Nigeria’s capacity on AMR
The NCDC Team led by @obasanyaj coordinated various meetings & sessions to carry out an AMR Situation Analysis and develop an AMR National Action Plan.
We did in time for the 2017 World Health Assembly where Nigeria joined other countris to commit to AMR surveillance & control
We did in time for the 2017 World Health Assembly where Nigeria joined other countris to commit to AMR surveillance & control
Exciting week ahead for us, as we carry out our mid-term Joint External Evaluation of International Health Regulations capacities.
Two years after #NGJEE17, time to re-evaluate, see how far we have come and identify priorities for the next three years
#NCDCSundayReflections
Two years after #NGJEE17, time to re-evaluate, see how far we have come and identify priorities for the next three years
#NCDCSundayReflections
During the JEE in 2017, we were only just starting our journey and it seemed like an impossible process.
However, with support from @WHO and partners, we carried on.
The most important part of the process was identifying key priorities to strengthen our #IHR capacities
#NGJEE
However, with support from @WHO and partners, we carried on.
The most important part of the process was identifying key priorities to strengthen our #IHR capacities
#NGJEE
Since then, we have worked with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Nigeria to improve our capacity across the technical areas.
We now have a fully operational reference lab, EOCs in States, carried out a review of the various IHR laws etc.
We now have a fully operational reference lab, EOCs in States, carried out a review of the various IHR laws etc.
It has been an incredibly busy week for us. An important engagement for me, was a message to our State Epidemiologists working across the country.
Their role in national health security is critical and we’re constantly finding ways to support this
#NCDCSundayReflections
Their role in national health security is critical and we’re constantly finding ways to support this
#NCDCSundayReflections
At the State level, the State Epidemiologist has the primary responsibility for outbreak prevention, preparedness, detection & response.
However, most State Epidemiologists work in difficult circumstances with few resources and training opportunities
However, most State Epidemiologists work in difficult circumstances with few resources and training opportunities
At @NCDCgov, we recognise the importance of State Epidemiologists.
We are developing a policy that will professionalise this role and support their capacity to deliver on it.
We are developing a policy that will professionalise this role and support their capacity to deliver on it.
Over the last two weeks, we have had incidences of our routine reports being misinterpreted by the media.
Dedicating few tweets to explain how we @NCDCgov share our data and how we can work with the media in developing the right messages for #Nigerians
#NCDCSundayReflections
Dedicating few tweets to explain how we @NCDCgov share our data and how we can work with the media in developing the right messages for #Nigerians
#NCDCSundayReflections
As we have done for the last three years, every week we publish a National Weekly Epidemiological Report.
This provides data and information on epidemic prone diseases in Nigeria.
When numbers exceed a threshold, we declare an outbreak and publicly announce this
This provides data and information on epidemic prone diseases in Nigeria.
When numbers exceed a threshold, we declare an outbreak and publicly announce this
Unfortunately, the data in our WER is sometimes misrepresented - leading to stories capable of causing panic.
E.g, since we reported the first cases of #monkeypox in 2017, we’ve been recording sporadic cases weekly. There is better awareness & improved capacity to manage cases
E.g, since we reported the first cases of #monkeypox in 2017, we’ve been recording sporadic cases weekly. There is better awareness & improved capacity to manage cases
Today makes it five years since @WHO declared Nigeria #Ebola free.
The events of 5 years ago is a constant reminder on why we MUST build a resilient health security structure for #Nigeria.
#NCDCSundayReflections
The events of 5 years ago is a constant reminder on why we MUST build a resilient health security structure for #Nigeria.
#NCDCSundayReflections
Across the world, we increasingly recognise that the capacity to prevent, detect and respond to infectious diseases is best developed and sustained in national public health institutes.
This is why we continue to build a resilient workforce at @NCDCgov
This is why we continue to build a resilient workforce at @NCDCgov
About 3 years ago, we developed the NCDC strategy plan, articulating our vision to build a strong agency that can protect the health of all Nigerians
Since then, the #NCDCTeam has worked hard towards this. We’ve made rapid progress in some areas & continue to work towards others
Since then, the #NCDCTeam has worked hard towards this. We’ve made rapid progress in some areas & continue to work towards others
For the last two months, the #NCDCTeam has been working with colleagues at @NphcdaNG & in states, to respond to an outbreak of #yellowfever in #Bauchi and four other states.
Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases provide a setback for health security
#NCDCSundayReflections
Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases provide a setback for health security
#NCDCSundayReflections
#Yellowfever is a disease that has a vaccine that provides life-long immunity once taken.
This means that people who have the disease in Nigeria either:
1. Missed the vaccine given at routine childhood immunisation
2. Traveled to Nigeria without getting the vaccine
This means that people who have the disease in Nigeria either:
1. Missed the vaccine given at routine childhood immunisation
2. Traveled to Nigeria without getting the vaccine
While we at @NCDCgov continue to respond to these outbreaks, it is important for Nigerians to take better responsibility for their health.
Ensure you, your family members, friends, colleagues and workers are vaccinated against #yellowfever
Ensure you, your family members, friends, colleagues and workers are vaccinated against #yellowfever
Honoured to be re-appointed to serve our country, as Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control @NCDCgov. Also happy to continue to share this journey with you all, through #NCDCSundayReflections
The last 3 years have been fulfilling. Working with an excellent and dedicated #NCDCTeam, the leadership of @Fmohnigeria and our supportive partners, we have made important progress for health security in #Nigeria. However, we are not where we want to be....yet
One of my biggest sources of pride is the growth of our #NCDCTeam. Not just in size, but also leadership opportunities, increased responsibilities, improved capacities, publications in major science journals, North-South collaboration & several more. No institution without people
There is a thin line between contributing to knowledge through research and prioritising public health response during outbreaks. For us at @NCDCgov, our responsibility is to find the right balance, as they are interdependent.
#NCDCSundayReflections
#NCDCSundayReflections
Both research and response are critical. We can not do one without the other. It is important for countries especially like ours, to focus on building strong foundations. Supporting communities to improve health systems that will build trust and save lives
Over the last 3 years, there has been an increased interest of global institutions- public health, research and funding institutes, in the work we do especially in response to #meningitis #Lassafever #monkeypox. We need research to develop new tools to improve response
Ahead of Workers Day on Wednesday this week, I would love to share about the amazing Team of people working to ensure health security in #Nigeria
#NCDCSundayReflections
#NCDCSundayReflections
This tweet by my brother & colleague @chukslassacare has several RTs! Grateful that people are learning more about the extraordinary efforts done by health workers in managing infectious diseases in #Nigeria. The growth of #FMCOwo is an amazing one to tell
Nearly every week, we have colleagues deployed as NCDC Rapid Response Team members, away from their families and 'comfort zones', working in states to support outbreak response, with no extra benefits but the personal fulfillment each person feels
I've had interesting and very stimulating discussions this week, that highlight the critical difference the government structure in a Federal Republic like #Nigeria creates for health security, compared to countries with unitary systems of government
#NCDCSundayReflections
#NCDCSundayReflections
Our role at @NCDCgov as included in the #NCDCAct requires us to 'support' states in outbreak preparedness and response. However, the dependence from states on the national agency is very high. Yet, we cannot ignore, because when we do, people die.
Health is on the "concurrent" list in #Nigeria, i.e responsibility of Federal & Sate govts. Unlike our security architecture which is centralised, our #healthsecurity is de-centralised. No clear line of control & we've to work hard to collaborate & cooperate across govt levels
