In an effort to bolster health security and enhance readiness for disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies, the Ekiti State Government established a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Steering Committee.
The committee's chair, Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Oyebanji Filani, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent outbreaks of cholera, Lassa fever, measles, and other infectious diseases made the program imperative.
The breakthrough, according to Filani, who officially opened the committee in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, is a significant step in protecting locals' health and well-being.
He claimed that the Public Health Emergency Operations Center's creation and expansion constituted a calculated investment in the state's citizens' resilience, safety, and well-being.
He said, "The steering committee is expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, oversight, and high-level coordination necessary for the effective functioning of the center."
Recent Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to Filani, continue to be a global public health concern.
To effectively respond to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies, he reaffirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji's commitment to bolstering the state's healthcare system.
"The government will continue to invest in surveillance systems, workforce development, laboratory strengthening, risk communication, and emergency coordination mechanisms," said Filani. Emergency response is less effective and more expensive than preparation.
Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, had earlier called the inauguration a positive move.
According to her, the committee would enhance intersectoral cooperation, facilitate the mobilization of resources, guarantee accountability, and advance the sustainability of emergency preparedness initiatives throughout the state.
Gbenga-Igotun expressed trust in the committee members' ability to carry out their duties and contribute to the development of a responsive and robust system that can shield locals from dangers to public health.
Speaking as well, Dr. Ibrahim Abayomi, Director of Public Health, stated that the committee would function as the Public Health Emergency Operations Center's top advisory and supervisory body.
Dr. Bosede Alowooye, the State Epidemiologist, stated that the center would act as the focal point for resource mobilization, coordination, quick reaction, and preparedness for public health emergencies.
"The center offers a structured platform for experts, government institutions, development partners, and emergency responders to coordinate timely and effective responses to disease outbreaks and disasters," stated Alowooye.
