Diphtheria : Edo Commissioner Engages NCDC to Tackle Disease Outbreak in Edo

Following the recent outbreak of Diphtheria in Edo State, the government has intensified its public health efforts by deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). In a recent visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, emphasized the need for stronger federal-state synergy to effectively tackle infectious diseases and improve epidemic preparedness across the state.

Edotoday reports that the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing public health emergency preparedness through closer collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Dr. Oshiomhole made this known during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NCDC at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. He described the engagement as a strategic move aimed at strengthening coordination between federal and state health institutions, particularly in managing infectious disease threats.

Commending the NCDC’s national leadership during recent health crises, the Commissioner noted that the agency’s timely and coordinated interventions during outbreaks of COVID-19, Lassa fever, diphtheria, mpox, and dengue fever had saved countless lives and restored public confidence in Nigeria’s health infrastructure.

“The NCDC has set a standard for emergency response, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. Their swift actions during major outbreaks have been instrumental in saving lives and rebuilding trust in our healthcare system,” Oshiomhole said.

He emphasized the need for real-time data, community-level engagement, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure effective health interventions, particularly in epidemic-prone regions like Edo.

While acknowledging the critical role of government, Dr. Oshiomhole called for broader partnerships involving civil society groups, traditional institutions, and frontline health workers, saying a truly resilient system requires all hands on deck.

The Commissioner also praised the NCDC’s evidence-based approach to public health governance, describing it as a model that other African nations should emulate.

“We must continue to adopt national strategies and align with global best practices. Edo State remains committed to building a responsive, inclusive, and proactive health system,” he added.

According to Dr. Oshiomhole, the visit highlights a shared commitment between Edo State and the NCDC toward building a health-secure Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to confront new and emerging health challenges.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging continued collaboration on disease surveillance, outbreak response, and the development of sustainable health infrastructure in Edo State.