For being a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR), the Nigerian Government has initiated the final process towards the actualization of a National Action Plan for Health Security(NAPHS).
The process that is being coordinated by the Center for Disease Control (NCDC) is supported by the World Health Organization and other international agencies.
According to a statement signed by the NCDC Director, Chikwe Ihekweazu, the agency had hosted a five-day workshop in Abuja to complete the plan.
“This is the first time Nigeria will have a multi-sectoral action plan that defines roles and timelines of stakeholders across the country in ensuring health security,” Mr. Ihekweazu said in his remark at the event as quoted in the statement.
“Notably, over a year after this process, several gaps identified from the evaluation have already been addressed; given the strong political commitment to strengthening health security in Nigeria.
“For the first time, we are bringing key stakeholders from different agencies and sectors including agriculture, uniformed services, and others to develop a plan on how Nigeria can better protect its populace against outbreaks of infectious diseases.”
According to WHO, all Member states are expected to Plan of health security in order to achieve health security with the support of the World Health Agency.
