Enhancing Public Health Preparedness: Transforming Nigeria’s Centre of Disease Control (NCDC)

 Genomic surveillance plays a pivotal role in bolstering public health readiness and response efforts, thus occupying a strategic position in detecting and addressing public health crises. Thanks to the support from ALSM and Africa CDC, the Nigeria Centres for Disease Control (NCDC), Central Public Health Laboratory campus in Lagos, underwent extensive renovations. These enhancements were geared towards facilitating the implementation of integrated multi-pathogen genomics surveillance.

The primary objective of the renovations was to ensure that the laboratory met the stringent requirements necessary for installing state-of-the-art genomic sequencing and biobanking equipment. Equally vital was the creation of an environment conducive to efficiently processing samples for genomic sequencing. Moreover, provisions were made for adequate storage spaces to house essential reagents and consumables.

Through these efforts, the Central Public Health Laboratory is now better equipped to play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, ensuring Nigeria’s preparedness to tackle emerging health threats effectively.