As part of its integrated disease surveillance strategy, the NCDC continues to promote routine COVID-19 testing, as well as testing for other infectious diseases that may be indicated in healthcare settings.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, has declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
He made the announcement over the weekend after reviewing current evidence that shows a high level of population immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
According to him, there was improved virus knowledge and management of confirmed COVID-19 cases, a decrease in the virus’s global burden, and a steady increase in vaccine uptake across countries.
In response to WHO’s declaration, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) issued a statement on Sunday.
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“Nigeria had already de-escalated its COVID-19 response since 2022 in response to local epidemiology focused on encouraging COVID-19 vaccination,” the statement read in part.
“And recommended the use of face masks and other public health safety measures on a discretionary basis based on personal risk assessments.”
According to the NCDC, “Wastewater/environmental surveillance will be implemented to track not only SARS-CoV-2 but also antimicrobial resistance, Mpox, and typhoid (salmonella).
“As part of its integrated disease surveillance strategy, the NCDC continues to promote routine COVID-19 testing, as well as testing for other infectious diseases that may be indicated in healthcare settings.
“This will aid clinical care, pandemic flu preparedness, as part of bi-directional testing during HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria investigations, and in high-risk populations.”
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