Nigéria

Disease Prevention and Control

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Communicable diseases prevention and control

WHO has supported Nigeria in the prevention, control and eradication of communicable diseases over several years. WHO support under CPC has mainly been for Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease (GWD)), Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Buruli Ulcer (BU), Lymphatic filariasis (LF), Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis and Leprosy. These are termed Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), they are diseases almost exclusively of the rural poor in low-income countries. Although safe and costeffective means of prevention and control are available, the NTDs continue to cause immense suffering and often life-long disabilities for the rural poor due to neglect. Currently Nigeria is on the verge of achieving eradication of Guinea worm disease, not having had a case for over one year as at February 2010.

Emergency preparedness and response

Most outbreaks and epidemics are caused by known pathogens, but new infectious diseases continue to emerge. Outbreaks and epidemics do not recognize national boundaries and if not contained, can rapidly spread within the country and internationally. Unverified and inaccurate information on disease outbreaks often elicit excessive reactions from the media and authorities, leading to panic and inappropriate responses, which in turn may result in significant interruption of trade, travels and tourism, thereby placing further economic burden on affected countries. Furthermore, these outbreaks threaten global health security because they frequently and unexpectedly challenge national health services and disrupt routine control programme, diverting attention and funds.

In Nigeria, as in other African countries, the challenge is to develop or reinforce mechanisms to detect, verify and respond rapidly and effectively to unexpected outbreaks and epidemics. WHO supports the government, working with Ministries, National Emergency Management Agency and other stakeholders to strengthen the national communicable disease surveillance and response systems through existing surveillance structures in the states and Local Government Areas (LGAs).