Health stakeholders have underlined the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to outbreak risk communication management in Nigeria, focusing on Lassa fever, cholera, Mpox, and other health threats.
At a meeting of the National Risk Communication Technical Working Group (NRCTWG) on Friday in Abuja, leading public health experts shared critical insights into managing these high-risk infectious diseases.
Dr Yetunde Abioye, Incident Manager of the National Lassa Fever Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at NCDC, highlighted the importance of early detection and robust data collection in preventing widespread outbreaks.
Abioye said that while Lassa fever remained a major concern, effective surveillance systems had successfully contained many potential outbreaks.
“We must expand our surveillance network to ensure early case detection, especially in endemic regions.
“Community awareness and engagement are equally critical, particularly in farming communities where the disease is most prevalent,” she said.
Mr Iliya Cheshi, National Cholera Surveillance Lead at NCDC, provided a comprehensive update on the 2024 cholera outbreak, which affected 36 states with over 24,000 suspected cases and 726 reported deaths.
Cheshi attributed the outbreak to worsening Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions and called for substantial investment in water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Cholera is a preventable disease, but the factors fueling its spread; poor hygiene practices, open defecation, and inadequate water supply, are deeply rooted.
“We must prioritise public education and community-level interventions,” he said.
He also outlined the government’s efforts, including vaccination campaigns and the establishment of treatment centres in high-risk areas.
He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, partners, and local governments to reduce the cholera burden.
Dr Odianosen Ehiakhame, Incident Manager of the National Mpox EOC, reported relatively low Mpox cases in Nigeria compared to other outbreaks, but stressed the need for continued vigilance.
“Mpox remains a threat, particularly with international travel and migration. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities and ensuring swift, coordinated responses are essential to prevent future outbreaks,” Ehiakhame said.
He also underlined the role of community engagement in reducing stigma and increasing awareness, particularly in urban slums and high-mobility populations.
Mr Michael Okali, Senior Health Communication Officer NCDC, called for a unified approach to risk communication during public health emergencies.
Okali highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems, increasing funding for surveillance and response, and fostering community involvement in preventive measures.
“With climate change, migration, and urbanisation, the risk of outbreaks is rising. We must build resilient health systems and empower communities to take charge of their health,” he said.
Dr Olayinka Umar-Farouk, Deputy Project Director of Risk Communication at Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, underscored the need for better coordination among federal and state authorities, the private sector, and international partners.
Umar-Farouk said that such coordination would ensure swift responses and effective containment strategies.
She said that collaborative action, improved healthcare access, and sustained public health education were essential for mitigating the risks posed by infectious diseases.
Mr Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, underlined the importance of involving persons with disabilities (PWDs) in risk communication.
Idemudia explained that inclusive strategies ensure accessibility, reduce vulnerability and align with global standards like the UNCRPD and the Sendai Framework.
“Including PWDs builds trust, strengthens community resilience, and ensures that no one is left behind during emergencies,” he said.
Mr Abara Erim of Nigeria Health Watch highlighted the significance of infodemic management and the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.
Erim outlined global efforts to combat infodemics and explored opportunities for Nigeria to emerge as a key player in global infodemic management, emphasising actionable steps for impactful engagement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the meeting concluded with a call for collective action to address public health threats, improve healthcare access, and build resilient systems that protect vulnerable populations.(NAN)
