The Chief Executive
Officer of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe
Ihekweazu, has commended the the Cross River State Government for their efforts
in tackling disease outbreaks in the State. This was disclosed by the NCDC Boss
who was in the State on a working visit following the stellar performance of
the Cross River State Ministry of Health which has led to the proposal to
install an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in the State.
“I’m in Calabar to look at the great
work of the Cross River State Ministry of Health and see how we can support the
Commissioner and the people of Cross River State to address all the public
health challenges in terms of surveillance which is a key function of NCDC,
Public Health laboratory architecture as well as opportunity for emergency
preparedness and response as Nigeria responds to various outbreaks”, Dr Chikwe
Ihekweazu said.
He further revealed that a truck loaded
with PPEs was enroute Calabar and gave a four weeks estimation for the
completion of the proposed Emergency Operation Center (EOC) upon commencement.
The Honorable Commissioner for Health,
Dr. Inyang Asibong, thanked the team for coming and pointed that despite the
commendations the Ministry has received there’s still a lot to be done.
“The State is delighted to have the
NCDC team led by the CEO, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, on this very important working
visit, we look forward to working with you as well especially in the area of
creating a working public Health laboratory in the State.
“Despite the commendations from Dr.
Chikwe and his Team, the Cross River State Ministry of Health is committed to
ensuring the State is constantly striving for the best. Thanks to His
Excellency, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade, the Governor of the State for making health
a top priority in the State”, Dr. Inyang Asibong said.
Consequent on this visit, the State
will receive a team of experts from the NCDC to conduct trainings on health
workers on the technicalities of the EOC for three weeks. This is in response
to the request of the Honorable Commissioner on the need for continuous
training of Health Workers in the State.
The team were taken across some facilities
within the Calabar metropolis including the proposed site for the Digital EOC,
the Reference laboratory of the Cross River State Ministry of Health as well as
the Essential Drugstore. It is worthy to note here that Cross River State is
among the 6 States in the country mapped out in the first phase for the
creation of a Digital EOC.
Other notable presence at the briefing
included the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health; Dr. Joseph
Bassey, the Director of Public Health; Dr. Iwara Iwara, that of Medical
Services; Dr. Etim Essien, Director of SAPC; Mr Patrick Mgbe, The State
Epidemiologist; Mrs. Patience Uke among others.
