Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), says strengthening sub-national capacity is critical to improving disease surveillance and response systems across Nigeria’s states and local governments.
Idris spoke during a panel session on “Early Detection to Intelligence: Surveillance, Data and Laboratory Systems” at a high-level public health symposium on Monday in Abuja.
The one-day symposium, themed “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Insights from China and Nigeria,” drew participants from various sectors and countries.
Idris noted that while Nigeria’s surveillance system performs relatively well at the national level, significant gaps remain at state and local levels, where detection and response capacity is often limited.
He explained that Nigeria’s federal structure places responsibility on sub-national governments, making it imperative to strengthen their capacity in surveillance, data collection, and digital reporting for timely public health interventions.
“The responsibility at the sub-national level is to build capacity, strengthen coordination and ensure systems function effectively across all tiers of government,” he said.
Idris emphasised integrating surveillance systems across human, animal, and environmental health sectors under the One Health approach to improve early detection and coordinated responses to disease outbreaks.
He added that strengthening legal frameworks and institutional coordination mechanisms would empower states to take ownership of surveillance systems and respond more effectively to emerging public health threats.
The NCDC boss highlighted the need for interoperable digital platforms that enable real-time data capture, analysis, and decision-making, noting that timely intelligence is critical to effective outbreak detection and control.
Dr Hong Yang, an epidemiologist at China CDC, shared China’s experience, highlighting structured surveillance systems, strict reporting timelines, and expanded sentinel hospital networks as key strengths in early detection.
Yang explained that hospitals must report emerging infectious diseases within two hours, while disease control authorities are required to investigate and confirm cases within another two hours.
She said the system ensures prompt detection and response, although disparities in capacity across provinces remain a challenge, particularly in laboratory sequencing and reporting quality at lower levels.
China addresses these gaps through collaboration with research institutions and a tiered laboratory system, where national and provincial facilities support lower levels with advanced diagnostics.
Dr Sedjro Catraye of the West African Health Organisation identified fragmentation of surveillance systems across countries as a major regional challenge, limiting efficiency, integration, and coordinated responses to health threats.
Catraye also cited delays in data reporting, weak analytical capacity, and poor cross-border information sharing as critical gaps affecting timely response in West Africa.
He stressed the need for harmonised surveillance systems and stronger regional collaboration, noting that lessons from Nigeria could support improvements across the sub-region.
Dr Jenom Danjuma, an epidemic prevention expert, emphasised expanding real-time electronic reporting systems to ensure rapid information flow from health facilities to decision-makers during public health emergencies.
Danjuma said public health emergency operations centres must be strengthened to analyse data effectively and trigger timely responses, supported by clearly defined roles and timelines.
He added that improving data analytics at sub-national levels would enable authorities to interpret surveillance data and act promptly, rather than merely collecting information.
Prof. Reuben Eifediyi, Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, highlighted the importance of strong laboratory systems in outbreak detection, citing the hospital’s experience in managing Lassa fever cases.
He said investments in molecular diagnostics, surveillance systems, and partnerships have improved case detection and protected health workers, with no staff fatalities recorded in recent years.
Eifediyi emphasised integrated data systems, logistics, mobile outreach, and sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
Prof. Dimie Ogoina of Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital underscored the role of confirmatory diagnosis in outbreak management, describing it as the foundation of effective public health response.
He recalled delays in diagnosing Mpox cases in Nigeria in 2017 due to limited laboratory capacity, which affected response efforts.
“Without confirmatory diagnosis, you cannot declare an outbreak, treat cases effectively or carry out meaningful community engagement,” he said.
Ogoina advocated sustainable funding, accountability, and digital-enabled research to strengthen surveillance systems, while urging greater focus on building local capacity at community and local government levels.
Participants agreed that integrated surveillance systems, strengthened laboratory networks, and improved data utilisation are essential for translating early detection into actionable public health intelligence across Nigeria and the region.
They emphasised that lessons from Nigeria, China, and West Africa demonstrate the importance of coordination, innovation, and sustained investment in building resilient disease surveillance and response systems.
Experts noted that as disease threats continue to evolve, strengthening sub-national capacity remains central to ensuring timely detection, effective response, and overall national health security.
The panel ended with a call for governments and stakeholders to prioritise capacity building at all levels, stressing that strong local systems are the backbone of effective pandemic preparedness and response.
