An Epidemic Preparedness and Response Committee have been set up in Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria to develop and oversee the implementation of the State epidemic strategic and action plans.
The Committee is structured after the National Epidemic Preparedness Committee which emphasises a multi-sectoral approach.
Inaugurating the Committee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Shehu Usman Makarfi called on members of the Committee to work hard so as to achieve the desired result.
The Director of Public Health, State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr. Ado Zakari said preparedness is very important for immediate response to outbreaks.
He said Functional Epidemic preparedness and Response/Rapid Response Team are required for immediate response to outbreaks.
Also speaking , the Kaduna State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Dauda Madubu described the formation of the Committee as timely, saying that “this is what we are waiting for.
“Now that the Committee has been inaugurated, I hope the members would remain functional”. he opined.
Members of the Committee comprise Commissioner for Health, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Director Public Health, Director Hospital Services, representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and development partners including WHO, UNICEF and the Red Cross.
