Regional collaboration key to combating public health threats in West and Central Africa – NCDC DG Dr Idris
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has emphasized the urgent need for regional collaboration to combat public health threats across Western and Central Africa. Dr. Idris made the call while declaring open a pivotal Health Security Program (HeSP) Learning Event in Abuja, which brought together experts from several countries to share knowledge and develop actionable plans under the World Bank-funded HeSP.
The $500 million grant will support the implementation of the HeSP program, which focuses on strengthening health security in Western and Central Africa through sustainable and transformational approaches. The four-day event, hosted by the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO), aimed to enhance regional collaboration and build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.
“The urgent need for regional collaboration to combat public health threats across Western and Central Africa cannot be overemphasized,” Dr. Idris said. “This Learning Event is a significant step towards enhancing our collective capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies. By working together, we can better protect the health and livelihoods of people in our region.”
Dr. Idris highlighted the importance of a unified approach in addressing public health threats, noting that infectious diseases know no borders. “Regional collaboration is crucial in addressing public health threats, as diseases know no borders,” he added. “Through this program, we can leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to build a more resilient health system in West and Central Africa.”
The HeSP program’s objectives include scaling up cross-sectoral interventions on human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health approach, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and holistically addressing neglected challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and climate change.
By fostering regional collaboration and capacity building, the HeSP program aims to improve health security in Western and Central Africa and protect the health and livelihoods of people in the region. The program’s implementation is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
“We are committed to working together to build a healthier and more resilient region,” Dr. Idris said. “Through this program, we can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people in West and Central Africa.”
The Learning Event provided a platform for experts to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing public health threats. The event also facilitated discussions on developing actionable plans to enhance regional collaboration and build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies.
•Photo Caption: Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, speaking during the Health Security Program (HeSP) Learning Event on Tuesday in Abuja.
