AKWA IBOM STATE Public Health Emergency Operations Centre - Pheoc

19/10/2025

19/10/2025

AKWA IBOM STRENGTHENS EARLY DISEASE DETECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE TRAINING

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — October 15–17, 2025

In a decisive step towards strengthening epidemic preparedness and response, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with FHI360 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has conducted an intensive capacity-building training on Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) for key public health stakeholders across the state.

The two-day workshop, held from October 14 to 15, 2025 at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo, brought together Local Government Area (LGA) Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Assistant DSNOs (ADSNOs), and surveillance officers from the Akwa Ibom State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (AKS-PHEOC). The training aimed to enhance surveillance capacity at the subnational level and empower communities to detect and report health threats early, thereby fortifying the state’s epidemic intelligence architecture.

Organized under the leadership of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, the workshop underscored the government’s commitment to building a robust and responsive disease surveillance system that can rapidly identify, investigate, and respond to potential outbreaks.

GOODWILL MESSAGES AND HIGH-LEVEL COMMITMENT

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John; Permanent Secretary, Dr. Patrick Eshiet; Director of Public Health, Dr. Etop Antia; State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh; State Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Oluwabukola Alawale; and representatives of FHI360 Country Office.

In his remarks, Dr. John expressed profound appreciation to FHI360 for its technical support and to WHO for its continued partnership in strengthening the state’s surveillance system. He highlighted the transformative investments of the Governor Umo Eno administration in the health sector — including a 30% salary increase for health workers, extensive capacity development initiatives, and improved infrastructure.

“The Governor has done a lot for health workers in this state. It is time for us to reciprocate through patriotism, dedication, and productivity. Let us be passionate about our work and deliver results that justify these investments,” he charged.

Describing 2026 as the ‘Year of Data’ for Akwa Ibom, the Commissioner announced plans to transition from paper-based to digital data collection and analysis, emphasizing accountability, meticulous planning, and professionalism as the drivers of improved service delivery and health outcomes. He also called on nurses, midwives, and other frontline workers to demonstrate renewed commitment by being consistently present and proactive at their duty posts.

Dr. John further disclosed the Governor’s approval of five new allowances — Health Sector Peculiar Allowance, Retention Allowance, Teaching Allowance, Accoutrement Allowance, and a performance-based Rural Allowance — to boost motivation and retention among health professionals. He also highlighted the revitalization of General Hospitals and Primary Health Centres across all senatorial districts, as well as the upgrading of State Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories to strengthen diagnostic capacity and surveillance effectiveness.

BUILDING COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY

The CBS training equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to identify, report, and respond promptly to unusual health events at the community level. Key modules included:

Overview and importance of CBS in Nigeria

Effective risk communication and community engagement

Roles and responsibilities of community informants and focal persons

Surveillance reporting tools and timelines in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy

Signal detection, reporting, investigation, and supportive supervision

Facilitators drawn from WHO, NCDC, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized that CBS is a proactive system leveraging community participation to generate early warning signals before outbreaks escalate. The training focused on priority diseases such as cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and other epidemic-prone conditions, using simplified community case definitions and clear reporting channels.

CASCADE TRAINING ACROSS THE STATE

Immediately following the central training, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, with support from FHI360, stepped down the CBS training to community informants across all 328 wards of the state from October 16 to 17, 2025.

The step-down exercise was supervised by the Akwa Ibom State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (AKS-PHEOC), led by Dr. Nchiek Eneh, in collaboration with FHI360.

This cascade approach ensured that community focal persons — including traditional leaders, teachers, patent medicine dealers, TBAs, health workers, and other local informants — were adequately trained to recognize, document, and promptly report unusual health events. It also reinforced the One Health approach, fostering multisectoral collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, veterinarians, and other community structures.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO HEALTH SECURITY

The training concluded with participants expressing deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to health sector reforms and describing him as a “caring father” who consistently prioritizes the welfare of health workers. They also commended Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John for his visionary leadership and effective implementation of state health policies.

By equipping surveillance actors at both LGA and community levels with practical tools and skills, Akwa Ibom State is reinforcing its commitment to early outbreak detection, community engagement, and data-driven decision-making. These efforts align with national surveillance strategies and global health security objectives, positioning the state as a model for subnational epidemic preparedness and response.

~ Dominic J. Essien, MPH

19/10/2025

There is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented through vaccination.

The polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
Every child under 5 should be vaccinated to prevent:
🔸 Paralysis
🔸 Breathing problems
🔸 Death

19/10/2025

Update on the State of Emergency declared in Health Sector by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

19/10/2025

Implementation of Revised Salaries, Allowances for Akwa Ibom Health Workers Begins November 1

By Ubon Marcus

The Akwa Ibom State Government will implement the upward review of salaries and special allowances for doctors and other health workers from November 1, 2025, following approval by Governor Umo Eno at the October 13 State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has announced.

Dr. John made the announcement on Friday, October 17, 2025, while addressing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Uyo. The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Amos Amogaji, was in the state to assess the implementation and performance of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as part of its oversight functions.

He explained that the comprehensive review covers both the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), making Akwa Ibom medical doctors and health workers among the best paid in the country. Upon implementation, he added, they will earn comparatively higher than their counterparts in other states and even those in the federal civil service.

The Health Commissioner further noted that the salary review demonstrates Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of health workers and strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.

"I can boldly say that the review is the largest single one-time percentage review in terms of medical salary in this country. Doctors on level 14, 15, will earn more than permanent secretaries, and those on 15 and above will even earn more than commissioners," he explained, adding that the Head of Service’s circular on the subject is expected before the end of the month, as Governor Eno has given a marching order for implementation to commence on November 1.

Earlier, the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services had inspected several primary healthcare facilities in the state to evaluate the utilisation of the BHCPF and appraise the quality of primary healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom.

The Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA), Dr. Eno Attah, and the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), Dr. Igbemi Igbemi, in their separate reports, highlighted the milestones recorded by the state government in managing the BHCPF, as well as the strategies adopted to achieve universal health coverage and expand access to medical insurance.

The House Committee on Health Services commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for prioritising the welfare of medical personnel, describing the salary review as a bold and progressive step toward strengthening the state’s healthcare system. The committee noted that such motivation would not only improve staff retention but also enhance service delivery, especially in rural areas, and applauded the state for its accountability in managing public health funds.

With the implementation of the revised salary structure, Akwa Ibom is expected to set a new benchmark for healthcare workforce motivation in Nigeria, as the state government intensifies efforts to deliver quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to its citizens.

17/10/2025

SURVEILLANCE OFFICERS APPLAUD GOVERNOR UMO ENO’S HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS; COMMISSIONER RALLIES WORKFORCE FOR DATA-DRIVEN RESULTS

— By Dominic J. Essien, MPH

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | October 15, 2025

In a bold move to strengthen epidemic preparedness and response, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has trained key public health stakeholders on Community-Based Surveillance (CBS), reaffirming the state’s commitment to early disease detection and health security.

The two-day training, held from October 14 to 15, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with FHI360 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). It brought together Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Assistant DSNOs, community informants, and other key actors across the state to build surveillance capacity and empower communities to detect and report health threats early.

Anchored by the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, the training formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s disease surveillance system in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy.

COMMISSIONER SETS A BOLD AGENDA FOR DATA AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Delivering his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, commended FHI360 and WHO for their technical partnership in strengthening the state’s surveillance architecture. He highlighted the transformative investments of the Umo Eno-led administration in the health sector, including a 30% salary increase for health workers, infrastructure upgrades, capacity-building programmes, and the introduction of five new allowances to motivate and retain skilled personnel.

“The Governor has done a lot for health workers in this state. It is time for us to reciprocate through patriotism, dedication, and productivity. Let us be passionate about our work and deliver results that justify these investments,” he charged.

Dr. John declared 2026 as the “Year of Data” for Akwa Ibom State, outlining a strategic shift from paper-based to digital reporting and analysis. He called for renewed commitment, accountability, and professionalism as key drivers of improved service delivery and outbreak response.

He also disclosed the Governor’s approval of new allowances — Health Sector Peculiar, Retention, Teaching, Accoutrement, and a Performance-Based Rural Allowance — aimed at boosting morale and ensuring equitable compensation across the workforce. He noted that ongoing upgrades of General Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and State Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories are already enhancing diagnostic and surveillance capacity statewide.

HEALTH WORKERS POUR ENCOMIUM ON GOVERNOR UMO ENO AND DR. JOHN

A major highlight of the training was the outpouring of appreciation and solidarity from surveillance officers and other health workers. In a symbolic and emotional moment, participants rose to their feet to honour the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, with three resounding “posers”, and Governor Umo Eno with seven, echoing their admiration for the administration’s people-centred health policies.

Participants described Governor Umo Eno as “a caring father” whose visionary leadership is transforming the health landscape of Akwa Ibom through welfare improvements, infrastructure revitalization, and unwavering support for frontline health workers.

They also hailed Dr. John’s proactive leadership, clear strategic direction, and open-door engagement with field officers, noting that his passion for surveillance, data accountability, and health system strengthening has inspired renewed dedication among the workforce.

> “We have never felt this valued and supported before. The Governor and the Commissioner have raised the bar. We will not let them down,” one DSNO declared during the session, drawing loud applause from colleagues.

BUILDING COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY

The CBS training focused on equipping participants with practical skills for early detection, reporting, and response to unusual health events. Key modules covered included:

Overview and importance of CBS in Nigeria

Risk communication and community engagement

Roles of community informants and focal persons

Surveillance tools, timelines, and reporting under IDSR

Signal detection, reporting, investigation, and supportive supervision

Facilitators from WHO, NCDC, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized CBS as a proactive surveillance system that leverages community participation to generate early warning signals before outbreaks escalate. Participants were trained to use simplified case definitions, identify priority diseases (such as cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and zoonotic threats), and foster trust through effective communication strategies.

The training also advanced the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts for a stronger, multi-sectoral surveillance network.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO HEALTH SECURITY

The workshop ended on a high note, with participants renewing their commitment to strengthen surveillance at the community level, improve data quality, and support the government’s health sector reforms.

By investing in the capacity of community surveillance actors and promoting accountability across all levels, Akwa Ibom State is taking decisive steps towards early outbreak detection, community engagement, and alignment with national and global health security goals.

17/10/2025

AKWA IBOM STRENGTHENS EARLY DISEASE DETECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE TRAINING; DISEASE SURVEILLANCE OFFICERS APPLAUD GOVERNOR UMO ENO’s HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS, AS HEALTH COMMISSIONER RALLIES WORKFORCE FOR DATA -DRIVEN RESULTS

— By Dominic J. Essien, MPH

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | October 15, 2025

In a bold move to fortify epidemic preparedness and response, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has trained key public health stakeholders on Community-Based Surveillance (CBS), reaffirming the state’s commitment to early disease detection and health security.

The two-day training, held from October 14 to 15, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with FHI360 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). It brought together Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Assistant DSNOs, community informants, and other key actors across the state to build surveillance capacity and empower communities to detect and report health threats early.

Anchored by the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s disease surveillance system in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy.

COMMISSIONER SETS A BOLD AGENDA FOR DATA AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Delivering his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, commended FHI360 and WHO for their technical partnership in strengthening the state’s surveillance architecture. He highlighted the transformative investments of the Umo Eno-led administration in the health sector — including a 30% salary increase for health workers, infrastructure upgrades, capacity-building programmes, and the introduction of five new allowances to motivate and retain skilled health personnel.

> “The Governor has done a lot for health workers in this state. It is time for us to reciprocate through patriotism, dedication, and productivity. Let us be passionate about our work and deliver results that justify these investments,” he charged.

Dr. John declared 2026 as the “Year of Data” for Akwa Ibom, outlining a strategic shift from paper-based to digital reporting and analysis. He called for renewed commitment, accountability, and professionalism as drivers of improved service delivery and outbreak response.

He also disclosed the Governor’s approval of new allowances — Health Sector Peculiar, Retention, Teaching, Accoutrement, and a Performance-Based Rural Allowance — aimed at boosting morale and ensuring equitable compensation across the workforce. He noted that ongoing upgrades of General Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and State Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories are already enhancing diagnostic and surveillance capacity statewide.

HEALTH WORKERS POUR ENCOMIUM ON GOVERNOR UMO ENO AND DR. JOHN

A major highlight of the training was the outpouring of appreciation and solidarity from surveillance officers and other health workers. In a symbolic and emotional moment, participants rose to their feet to honour the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, with three resounding “posers”, and Governor Umo Eno with seven, echoing their admiration for the administration’s people-centered health policies.

The participants described Governor Umo Eno as “a caring father” whose visionary policies are transforming the health landscape of Akwa Ibom, particularly through welfare improvements, infrastructure revitalization, and unwavering support for frontline health workers.

They also hailed Dr. John’s proactive leadership, clear strategic direction, and open-door engagement with field officers, noting that his passion for surveillance, data accountability, and health system strengthening has inspired renewed dedication among the workforce.

> “We have never felt this valued and supported before. The Governor and the Commissioner have raised the bar. We will not let them down,” one of the DSNOs declared during the session, drawing loud applause from colleagues.

BUILDING COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY

The CBS training focused on equipping participants with practical skills for early detection, reporting, and response to unusual health events. Key modules covered included:

Overview and importance of CBS in Nigeria

Risk communication and community engagement

Roles of community informants and focal persons

Surveillance tools, timelines, and reporting under IDSR

Signal detection, reporting, investigation, and supportive supervision

Facilitators from WHO, NCDC, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized CBS as a proactive surveillance system that leverages community participation to generate early warning signals before outbreaks escalate. Participants were trained to use simplified case definitions, identify priority diseases (such as cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and zoonotic threats), and foster trust through effective communication strategies. The training also advanced the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts for a stronger, multi-sectoral surveillance network.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO HEALTH SECURITY

The workshop ended on a high note with renewed commitment from participants to strengthen surveillance at the community level, improve data quality, and support the government’s health sector reforms.

By investing in the capacity of community surveillance actors and promoting accountability across all levels, Akwa Ibom State is taking decisive steps towards early outbreak detection, community engagement, and alignment with national and global health security goals.

17/10/2025

AKWA IBOM STRENGTHENS EARLY DISEASE DETECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE TRAINING

— By Dominic J. Essien, MPH

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | October 15, 2025

In a bold move to fortify epidemic preparedness and response, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has trained key public health stakeholders on Community-Based Surveillance (CBS), reaffirming the state’s commitment to early disease detection and health security.

The two-day training, held from October 14 to 15, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with FHI360 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). It brought together Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Assistant DSNOs, community informants, and other key actors across the state to build surveillance capacity and empower communities to detect and report health threats early.

Anchored by the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, the programme is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s disease surveillance system in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy.

COMMISSIONER SETS A BOLD AGENDA FOR DATA AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Delivering his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, commended FHI360 and WHO for their technical partnership in strengthening the state’s surveillance architecture. He highlighted the transformative investments of the Umo Eno-led administration in the health sector — including a 30% salary increase for health workers, infrastructure upgrades, capacity-building programmes, and the introduction of five new allowances to motivate and retain skilled health personnel.

> “The Governor has done a lot for health workers in this state. It is time for us to reciprocate through patriotism, dedication, and productivity. Let us be passionate about our work and deliver results that justify these investments,” he charged.

Dr. John declared 2026 as the “Year of Data” for Akwa Ibom, outlining a strategic shift from paper-based to digital reporting and analysis. He called for renewed commitment, accountability, and professionalism as drivers of improved service delivery and outbreak response.

He also disclosed the Governor’s approval of new allowances — Health Sector Peculiar, Retention, Teaching, Accoutrement, and a Performance-Based Rural Allowance — aimed at boosting morale and ensuring equitable compensation across the workforce. He noted that ongoing upgrades of General Hospitals, Primary Health Centres, and State Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories are already enhancing diagnostic and surveillance capacity statewide.

HEALTH WORKERS POUR ENCOMIUM ON GOVERNOR UMO ENO AND DR. JOHN

A major highlight of the training was the outpouring of appreciation and solidarity from surveillance officers and other health workers. In a symbolic and emotional moment, participants rose to their feet to honour the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, with three resounding “posers”, and Governor Umo Eno with seven, echoing their admiration for the administration’s people-centered health policies.

The participants described Governor Umo Eno as “a caring father” whose visionary policies are transforming the health landscape of Akwa Ibom, particularly through welfare improvements, infrastructure revitalization, and unwavering support for frontline health workers.

They also hailed Dr. John’s proactive leadership, clear strategic direction, and open-door engagement with field officers, noting that his passion for surveillance, data accountability, and health system strengthening has inspired renewed dedication among the workforce.

> “We have never felt this valued and supported before. The Governor and the Commissioner have raised the bar. We will not let them down,” one of the DSNOs declared during the session, drawing loud applause from colleagues.

BUILDING COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY

The CBS training focused on equipping participants with practical skills for early detection, reporting, and response to unusual health events. Key modules covered included:

Overview and importance of CBS in Nigeria

Risk communication and community engagement

Roles of community informants and focal persons

Surveillance tools, timelines, and reporting under IDSR

Signal detection, reporting, investigation, and supportive supervision

Facilitators from WHO, NCDC, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized CBS as a proactive surveillance system that leverages community participation to generate early warning signals before outbreaks escalate. Participants were trained to use simplified case definitions, identify priority diseases (such as cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and zoonotic threats), and foster trust through effective communication strategies. The training also advanced the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts for a stronger, multi-sectoral surveillance network.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO HEALTH SECURITY

The workshop ended on a high note with renewed commitment from participants to strengthen surveillance at the community level, improve data quality, and support the government’s health sector reforms.

By investing in the capacity of community surveillance actors and promoting accountability across all levels, Akwa Ibom State is taking decisive steps towards early outbreak detection, community engagement, and alignment with national and global health security goals.

16/10/2025

AKWA IBOM STRENGTHENS EARLY DISEASE DETECTION THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE TRAINING
— By Dominic J. Essien, MPH

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | October 15, 2025

In a bold move to fortify epidemic preparedness and response, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has trained key public health stakeholders on Community-Based Surveillance (CBS), reaffirming the state’s commitment to early disease detection and health security.

The two-day training, held from October 14 to 15, 2025, at CEEDAPEG Hotel, Uyo, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with FHI360 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The workshop brought together Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs), Assistant DSNOs, community informants, and other strategic actors from across the state to enhance surveillance capacity and empower communities to detect and report health threats early.

The programme, anchored by the Office of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, is part of ongoing efforts to build a resilient surveillance system that can swiftly identify and respond to public health threats in line with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy.

COMMISSIONER SETS A BOLD AGENDA FOR HEALTH DATA AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Delivering his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, commended FHI360 and WHO for their technical partnership in strengthening the state’s surveillance architecture. He highlighted the transformative investments of the Umo Eno-led administration in the health sector — including a 30% salary increase for health workers, infrastructure upgrades, capacity building programmes, and the introduction of five new allowances to motivate and retain skilled health personnel.

“The Governor has done a lot for health workers in this state. It is time for us to reciprocate through patriotism, dedication, and productivity. Let us be passionate about our work and deliver results that justify these investments,” he charged.

Dr. John described 2026 as the “Year of Data” for Akwa Ibom, outlining a strategic shift from paper-based to digital reporting and analysis. He urged all health workers to embrace meticulous work planning, accountability, and professionalism as essential drivers of improved service delivery and outbreak response.

> “We must bring renewed commitment to our work. The health sector reforms will only be meaningful if every health worker contributes diligently. Let us prove that the government’s trust in us is not misplaced,” he added.

He also disclosed the Governor’s approval of five new allowances — Health Sector Peculiar, Retention, Teaching, Accoutrement, and a Performance-Based Rural Allowance — aimed at improving morale and ensuring equitable compensation across the health workforce. Additionally, he noted that the revitalization of General Hospitals and PHCs, alongside the upgrading of the State Molecular Diagnostic Laboratories, is significantly boosting diagnostic capacity and surveillance effectiveness across the state.

BUILDING COMMUNITY-BASED SURVEILLANCE CAPACITY

The CBS training focused on equipping participants with practical skills for early detection, reporting, and response to unusual health events. Key modules included:

Overview and importance of CBS in Nigeria

Risk communication and community engagement

Roles of community informants and focal persons

Surveillance tools, timelines, and reporting processes under IDSR

Signal detection, reporting, investigation, and supportive supervision

Facilitators drawn from WHO, NCDC, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized CBS as a proactive surveillance system that harnesses community participation to generate early warning signals before outbreaks escalate. Participants were trained to use simplified case definitions, identify priority diseases (such as cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and zoonotic threats), and foster trust through effective communication strategies.

The training also promoted the One Health approach, integrating the efforts of human health, animal health, environmental sectors, and community stakeholders to create a robust multi-sectoral surveillance network.

SURVEILLANCE OFFICERS SHOW UNWAVERING SUPPORT

In a symbolic display of solidarity and gratitude, the surveillance officers declared their unflinching support for both the Health Commissioner and the Governor. They honoured Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John with three resounding “posers” and Governor Umo Eno with seven, acknowledging their visionary leadership and commitment to health sector transformation.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT TO HEALTH SECURITY

The workshop ended on a high note, with participants expressing deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his steadfast support to health workers, describing him as a “caring father” whose policies are transforming the health landscape. They also praised Dr. John for his proactive leadership and clear vision for a stronger, data-driven surveillance system.

By strengthening the capacity of community surveillance actors and promoting accountability across all levels, Akwa Ibom State is taking decisive steps towards early outbreak detection, community engagement, and alignment with national and global health security goals.