Regional Public Health Emergency Management Experts Graduate in Abuja

The first cohort of the Regional Public Health Emergency Management Training program graduated in Abuja on Saturday, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the region’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health crises.

The intermediate-level training was organised by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The intensive two-week program was attended by seventeen public health emergency operations centre staff members from across West Africa, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia and Mali.

According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Nigeria, the participants improved their ability to effectively operate incident management systems for outbreak preparedness and response.

The training aimed to provide them with the tools and knowledge they would need to manage public health emergencies efficiently and effectively.

“As a result of this training,” the U.S. Embassy stated, “the region is now better equipped to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics.”

At the graduation ceremony, Asmau Aminu-Alhaji, Acting Programme Director of the US CDC Division of Global Health Protection, praised the graduates for their dedication to public health in their home countries as well as across the region.

She emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation and communication in combating public health threats.

“We are extremely proud of the commitment these individuals have made to improving public health security throughout West Africa,” Aminu-Alhaji stated.

“Their improved skills and knowledge will be invaluable in keeping our communities safe from future outbreaks.”

The Public Health Emergency Management Professional Certification Program is an important part of the US government’s ongoing support for global health security in Nigeria and around the world.

The program gives emergency operations personnel and other public health professionals specialised training in public health emergency management, operations, and other critical preparedness and response skills.

The graduation of this first cohort demonstrates a stronger regional capacity to address future public health challenges and protect citizens’ well-being.