Edo Partners WHO to Boost Disease Surveillance and Control

In a bid to emphasize the crucial role of medical personnel in saving lives and preventing epidemics, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) Executive Secretary, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, recently conducted a comprehensive training program in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The training targeted Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and Assistant Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (ADSNOs) across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Dr. Omosigho highlighted the significance of their surveillance activities in protecting both the state’s population and contributing to global health security. The two-day training, led by seasoned WHO facilitators, focused on equipping the DSNOs and ADSNOs with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively detect, respond to, and control potential health threats and disease outbreaks in their respective LGAs.

Various topics were covered during the training, including surveillance for priority diseases/health events, data tool utilization, and community collaboration. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and exercises, participants were actively engaged to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each subject and promote practical application of the concepts.

Dr. Nora Eyo, Edo State WHO State Coordinator, provided valuable updates on global Polio Eradication Initiatives (PEI) and conducted a review of the state’s Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance performance for the years 2022, 2021, and 2020. Additionally, WHO representatives presented surveillance data tools to the state, further enhancing the collaboration.