AKWA IBOM STATE Public Health Emergency Operations Centre - Pheoc

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

The organizers and facilitators of the Cholera Sample Management and Rapid Diagnostic Testing Training paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, at the State Ministry of Health, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The delegation was led by the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, who expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s continuous support toward strengthening public health systems in the state.

Other members of the delegation included:

Dr. Oluwabukola Alawale, State Coordinator, World Health Organization (WHO), Akwa Ibom State

Officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC)

Facilitators from the WHO Country Office,

Representatives of the NCDC, and

Members of the Akwa Ibom State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (AKS-PHEOC)

During the visit, the team highlighted the importance of the ongoing training in improving cholera surveillance, sample management, laboratory capacity, and rapid diagnostic preparedness across the state’s senatorial districts. They also commended the Ministry for its commitment to disease prevention and response, noting that such collaboration strengthens the state’s readiness to manage public health emergencies effectively.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner appreciated the GTFCC, WHO, NCDC, and all facilitators for their contributions to capacity-building efforts in Akwa Ibom State. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to supporting initiatives that enhance the competencies of frontline health workers and improve health outcomes for residents.

11/12/2025

The training of 350 Health Care Workers by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health in collaboration with NCDC with support from GTFCC at the Conference Hall of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Atan Offot, Uyo. Akwa Ibom State.

11/12/2025

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, facilitated at Day 2 of the GTFCC training for health care workers at the Conference Hall, NLC Secretariat, Atan Offot, Uyo.

09/12/2025

HON. COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH DECLARES OPEN CHOLERA SAMPLE MANAGEMENT & RDT TRAINING FOR 350 HEALTH WORKERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

By Dominic J. Essien

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has commended the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the Epidemiology Unit of the Directorate of Public Health Services of the State Ministry of Health for their unwavering support in strengthening cholera preparedness and response in Akwa Ibom State.

Dr. Ekem gave the commendation on Tuesday, 9th December 2025, while declaring open the Training of Health Care Workers on Cholera Sample Management and Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Conference Hall, Atan Offot, Uyo. The training, scheduled to run from 9th–18th December 2025, will equip 350 health workers drawn from the three senatorial districts—Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene—with the skills required for efficient cholera detection, sample handling, and case management.

The Commissioner thanked WHO, NCDC, national facilitators for delivering high-quality technical sessions and continually supporting the state’s public health system. He noted that recent cholera outbreaks in the state were effectively contained without any casualties—a feat he attributed to the professionalism, vigilance, and technical competence of health workers.

Dr. Ekem paid glowing tribute to the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, describing her as a humble, dedicated, God-fearing professional who embodies excellence in service. He prayed for God’s continuous strength upon her and commended all staff of the Epidemiology Unit for their steadfastness and commitment to duty.

He urged participating health workers to take full advantage of the training, emphasizing that the medical profession is a noble calling rooted in integrity, empathy, and adherence to ethical standards. He encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained conscientiously, particularly when making decisions that affect human lives.

The Commissioner congratulated the participants for being selected out of the many health workers across the state and charged them to be ambassadors of best practices in disease surveillance, early reporting, and case management.

Beyond public health, Dr. Ekem described Akwa Ibom as a peaceful, green, and clean state and encouraged facilitators and guests to explore its serene environment and tourist attractions. He pledged to facilitate their visit to the Arise Park Resort, which he referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World,” as well as the Akwa Ibom Golf Resort, which he described as one of the finest in the state.

Dr. Ekem expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, for his transformative leadership in the health sector, including the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Healthcare. He noted that the reforms initiated by the Governor are already yielding measurable improvements in service delivery, infrastructure, and health outcomes.

The cholera training continues across the three senatorial districts and is expected to significantly enhance the state’s capacity for early detection, rapid response, and prevention of future outbreaks.

09/12/2025

HON. COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH DECLARES OPEN CHOLERA SAMPLE MANAGEMENT & RDT TRAINING FOR 350 HEALTH WORKERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

By Dominic J. Essien

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has commended the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and the Epidemiology Unit of the Directorate of Public Health Services of the State Ministry of Health for their unwavering support in strengthening cholera preparedness and response in Akwa Ibom State.

Dr. Ekem gave the commendation on Tuesday, 9th December 2025, while declaring open the Training of Health Care Workers on Cholera Sample Management and Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Conference Hall, Atan Offot, Uyo. The training, scheduled to run from 9th–18th December 2025, will equip 350 health workers drawn from the three senatorial districts—Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene—with the skills required for efficient cholera detection, sample handling, and case management.

The Commissioner thanked WHO, NCDC, national facilitators for delivering high-quality technical sessions and continually supporting the state’s public health system. He noted that recent cholera outbreaks in the state were effectively contained without any casualties—a feat he attributed to the professionalism, vigilance, and technical competence of health workers.

Dr. Ekem paid glowing tribute to the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, describing her as a humble, dedicated, God-fearing professional who embodies excellence in service. He prayed for God’s continuous strength upon her and commended all staff of the Epidemiology Unit for their steadfastness and commitment to duty.

He urged participating health workers to take full advantage of the training, emphasizing that the medical profession is a noble calling rooted in integrity, empathy, and adherence to ethical standards. He encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained conscientiously, particularly when making decisions that affect human lives.

The Commissioner congratulated the participants for being selected out of the many health workers across the state and charged them to be ambassadors of best practices in disease surveillance, early reporting, and case management.

Beyond public health, Dr. Ekem described Akwa Ibom as a peaceful, green, and clean state and encouraged facilitators and guests to explore its serene environment and tourist attractions. He pledged to facilitate their visit to the Arise Park Resort, which he referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World,” as well as the Akwa Ibom Golf Resort, which he described as one of the finest in the state.

Dr. Ekem expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, for his transformative leadership in the health sector, including the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Healthcare. He noted that the reforms initiated by the Governor are already yielding measurable improvements in service delivery, infrastructure, and health outcomes.

The cholera training continues across the three senatorial districts and is expected to significantly enhance the state’s capacity for early detection, rapid response, and prevention of future outbreaks.

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09/12/2025

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCACY ON MEMORIES FM

Ahead of the upcoming training organized by the State Ministry of Health with support from the WHO, NCDC and other partners, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, and Mrs. Cecilia Abang, a seasoned Medical Laboratory Scientist, featured on Memories FM, Uyo, on 8th December 2025.

During the radio programme, they sensitized the public on the objectives of the training, the heightened risk of cholera during the dry season, and the critical importance of early reporting, proper hygiene practices, and prompt medical care. They emphasized that strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers is vital for early diagnosis, effective outbreak prevention, and a coordinated public health response.

A CALL TO ACTION

The Ministry of Health urges all selected health workers to attend the training promptly and participate actively. Building a resilient public health workforce remains essential to protecting communities, reducing disease transmission, and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of residents across Akwa Ibom State.

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09/12/2025

AKWA IBOM STATE SET FOR CHOLERA SAMPLE MANAGEMENT & RDT TRAINING
......State Epidemiologist, WHO, and NCDC Strengthen Preparedness Ahead of Dry Season Risks

By Dominic J. Essien

As part of intensified efforts to strengthen cholera preparedness, early detection, and rapid response across the state, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC), is set to commence a comprehensive Cholera Sample Management and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Training for health workers across the three senatorial districts.

The training is scheduled for 9th–11th December 2025 for Uyo Senatorial District, and 15th–16th December 2025 for Eket and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts.

Akwa Ibom has been classified as a priority state due to rising national cholera alerts, seasonal vulnerability, and the need to strengthen LGA-level response capacity. This intervention forms part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Cholera Elimination Roadmap (2030).

TRAINING BACKGROUND

The statewide capacity-building exercise aims to equip Health Care Workers (HCWs) with the skills needed for:

✓ Accurate identification of suspected cholera cases

✓ Proper collection and handling of stool samples

✓ Safe packaging and transportation of specimens

✓ Effective use and interpretation of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits

✓ Improved data documentation, reporting, and integration into early warning surveillance systems

By improving case detection and response at the community and LGA levels, the programme seeks to reduce morbidity, prevent outbreaks, and improve the state’s overall public health emergency readiness.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Apply standardized cholera case definitions during surveillance and clinical assessment.

2. Collect stool samples safely and correctly using recommended protocols.

3. Label, package, and transport samples efficiently to designated laboratories.

4. Conduct, interpret, and document cholera RDT results with accuracy.

5. Strengthen cholera surveillance reporting at the LGA, facility, and community levels.

6. Support early outbreak detection, preparedness, and response actions.

This cascade training will also reinforce the functionality of cholera surveillance teams across all LGAs in Akwa Ibom State.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

A. UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT (AKWA IBOM NORTH-EAST)

Date: 9th–11th December 2025
Venue: Conference Hall, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat, Atan Offot, Uyo
Time: 8:00 a.m. daily

Day 1 – 9th December
LGAs: Uruan, Ibiono Ibom, Itu, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom.

Day 2 – 10th December
LGAs: Nsit Ubium, Etinan, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uyo cluster/zones (Number 42 to 50 on Uyo participant's list)

Day 3 – Uyo

B. EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT (AKWA IBOM CENTRAL)

Date: 15th–16th December 2025
Venue: Immanuel General Hospital, Eket
Time: 8:00 a.m. daily

Day 1 – 15th December
LGAs: Eket, Eastern Obolo, Mkpat Enin, Urue Offong/Oruko, Udung Uko, Mbo

Day 2 – 16th December
LGAs: Esit Eket, Ibeno, Okobo, Ikot Abasi, Onna, Oron

C. IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT (AKWA IBOM NORTH-WEST)

Date: 15th–16th December 2025
Venue: 1 Abak Road, Opposite Ikot Ekpene general hospital by the U turn, Ikot Ekpene
Time: 8:00 a.m. daily

Day 1 – 15th December
LGAs: Ikot Ekpene, Abak, Ika, Ikono, Etim Ekpo

Day 2 – 16th December
LGAs: Essien Udim, Ini, Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Obot Akara

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD EXPECT

✓ Practical, hands-on demonstrations on stool sample collection

✓ Step-by-step guidance on RDT procedures and interpretation

✓ Detailed explanation of sample documentation, packaging, and submission

✓ Interactive learning sessions led by NCDC, WHO, and State facilitators

✓ Q&A segments on operational challenges

✓ Copies of training materials, job aids, and quick-reference tools

The programme is designed to build a technically strong, responsive, and well-coordinated cholera surveillance system across the state.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVOCACY ON MEMORIES FM

Ahead of the training, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, and Mrs. Cecilia Abang, a seasoned medical laboratory scientist, appeared yesterday, 8th December 2025, on Memories FM, Uyo.

During the radio engagement, they sensitized the public about the upcoming training, the risks of cholera during the dry season, and the importance of early reporting, proper hygiene, and prompt medical attention. They emphasized that building the capacity of frontline health workers is crucial for timely diagnosis, outbreak prevention, and effective response.

A CALL TO ACTION

The Ministry of Health urges all selected health workers to attend promptly and participate actively. Strengthening the public health workforce remains essential to protecting communities, reducing transmission, and safeguarding the health of residents across Akwa Ibom State.

Together, we can strengthen cholera early detection—and save lives.