Kwara State Ministry of Health Trains Workers on Disease Surveillance

The Kwara State Ministry of Health organized a one-day sensitisation training focused on Ebola and diphtheria surveillance and reporting. The training aimed to strengthen disease detection, prompt reporting, and response among health workers and relevant stakeholders.

Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, represented by Dr. Khadeejah Kamaldeen, the State Epidemiologist, highlighted the importance of the training in enhancing participants' capacity to identify warning signs and report suspected cases. The objectives included improving understanding of the epidemiology, transmission modes, signs, and symptoms of Ebola and diphtheria, as well as infection prevention and control measures.

Dr. Maryam Jimoh, a WHO Consultant Public Physician, explained diphtheria transmission, noting that humans are the only natural hosts of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Dr. Gloria Ogunkunle from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention discussed Ebola symptoms that warrant suspicion.

The training aimed to bolster the capacity of health workers to support effective disease surveillance and response across Kwara State.