"When the next pandemic arrives, and it will, we must be ready to respond decisively, collectively, and equitably." - Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director-General)
In recent years, Nigeria has faced multiple infectious disease outbreaks, including avian influenza, Ebola, Mpox, COVID-19, yellow fever, rabies, bovine tuberculosis, measles, and rubella. More recently, the country has witnessed surges in Lassa fever, Mpox, diphtheria, cholera, and meningitis cases. A major gap identified by the NCDC during the response to these infectious outbreaks is the challenge of effective science communication, a requisite for the general public to accept and adopt public health advisories and to build resilience against the negative impacts of infodemics This gap hinders the public's acceptance of health advisories and their ability to combat misinformation (infodemics).
The main issue lies in the limited understanding of disease outbreak dynamics among health reporters. As a result, they struggle to convey accurate information, set the agenda, and empower affected communities with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. To bridge this gap, the NCDC, in collaboration with the Africa Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria (BA-Nigeria) led by Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs, has developed a unique initiative known as the "Media, Epidemiology, Infodemiology, and Social and Behaviour Change/Risk Communication Media Fellowship" (MEDIA-EIS Fellowship). This four-month program aims to equip journalists in the public health sector with a deeper understanding of Basic Epidemiology, Infodemiology, and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC)/Risk Communication.
The MEDIA-EIS Fellowship is designed to enhance the impact of field epidemiology investments, contributing to disease prevention, detection, and outbreak control, thus strengthening Nigeria's health security. The program intends to cultivate a group of media experts who will not only provide high-quality outbreak coverage but also play a vital role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and the promotion of best practices in financial, equity, and human rights aspects during outbreaks. Trained fellows will strive to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the same attention as their more privileged counterparts throughout all phases of emergency preparedness and response.
1. Information for this disease was retrieved from the Technical Working Group and Situation Reports
2. Case Fatality Rate (CFR) for this disease is reported for confirmed cases only
3. CFR for this disease is reported for total cases i.e. suspected + confirmed
4. Information for sentinel influenza was retrieved from the laboratory
Key points
? There were 119 suspected cases from 36 LGAs in 11 states and FCT. There were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases in five states and one death was recorded.
Actions
To date:
? Multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) activated at the National and affected States.
? Conducted risk assessment in preparation for de-escalation of the response and/or deactivation of the IMS/EOC
? Conducted a three-day LF Human-Centred Design synthesis workshop with support from BAN.
? Conducted Lassa fever risk assessment.
Key points
? There were 168 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) reported from 11 LGAs in four states. There were 12 laboratory confirmed cases and no death was recorded.
Actions
To date:
? National CSM TWG meets weekly to review reports from states and plan appropriately
? Monitoring of epidemiological trend to guide plans for reactive vaccination campaigns
Key points
? There were 54 suspected cases of Yellow Fever (YF) reported from 42 LGAs in 21 states. There was no laboratory confirmed case and no death was recorded.
Actions
To date:
? National YF multi-partner Technical Working Group (TWG) continues to coordinate activities across states.
? Daily monitoring and analysis of surveillance data across the country to guide response activities.
Key points
? There were 38 suspected cases of Cholera reported from 12 LGAs in seven states. There were six laboratory confirmed cases and three deaths were recorded.
Actions
To date
? National Cholera Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) is monitoring all states and supporting affected states.
? Ongoing surveillance in all states through the routine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) and Event Based Surveillance (EBS).
? Continuous construction of sanitation and hygiene facilities with boreholes in cholera hotspots • Conducted WASH Sector review workshop.
Key points
? There were 106 suspected cases of Measles reported from 103 LGAs in 25 states. There were 10 laboratory confirmed cases and no death was recorded
Actions
To date
? National Measles TWG is closely monitoring measles surveillance data and providing feedback to relevant agencies and development partners.
? Ongoing weekly surveillance and laboratory data harmonisation.
Key points
? There were ten suspected cases of Mpox reported from nine LGAs in six states. there was no laboratory confirmed case and no death was reported
Actions
To date
? National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG) is monitoring activities in all states.
Key points
? There were 86 suspected cases of AFP reported from 63 LGAs in 20 states and FCT. None was laboratory confirmed and no death was recorded.
Key points
? There were 14 suspected cases of Covid-19 reported from one LGA in FCT. There was no laboratory confirmed case and no death was recorded.
Actions
To date:
• Multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) activated at the National and affected States
• Engagement meetings with state teams on the ongoing response, Sitrep reporting and Ag-RDT data harmonization, challenges, and way forward.
• Mainstreaming of COVID-19 response activities into routine public health interventions such as surveillance, risk communication, testing etc.
? Continue to monitor global trends on COVID-19.
? Enhance surveillance at points of entry.
Key points
? There were 168 suspected cases of Diphtheria reported from 13 LGAs in three states. There were 63 confirmed cases and one death was recorded.
Actions
To date
? Multi-sectoral Public Health Emergency Operation Centres (PHEOC) activated at the National and affected States
? Harmonisation of surveillance and laboratory data from across states and laboratories.
? Provision of off-site surveillance support to affected States.
? Conducting data quality checks on surveillance data from affected states
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