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In these critical times, the rapid spread of false information can be alarming and harmful.

“The decisions we make need to be guided by facts, not fear or panic” @DrTedros
#NCDCSundayReflections Image
In strengthening our surveillance & preparedness for the novel #coronavirus, we’ve put in place significant measures

We‘ve agreed an initial national case definition to identify suspect cases

We‘ll review these criteria as additional information on #nCoV2019 becomes available Image
On the 1st of February, we validated our capacity to test for the novel #coronavirus at the @NCDCgov National Reference Laboratory(NRL)

This means that we are now able to test samples from patients that meet the national case definition of the novel #coronavirus here in #Nigeria Image
We have also initiated a multi-sectoral “Coronavirus Preparedness Group”.

Led by @NCDCgov, this group meets daily to assess the risk of importation of the disease to Nigeria ImageImageImage
The Port Health Services of @Fmohnigeria is on high alert and has heightened screening measures at various points of entry

This includes temperature checks, combined with investigative questions on known symptoms ImageImage
We have published a second public health advisory This contains vital information for #Nigerians on what we know about the novel #coronavirus and how they can stay protected.

Read via: ncdc.gov.ng/news/219/31st-… Image
Grateful to colleagues from various Ministries, Departments & Agencies working collaboratively with @NCDCgov to reduce the risk of importation of the novel #coronavirus to #Nigeria

We remain unrelenting in our efforts to protect #Nigerians from the spread of infectious diseases ImageImage
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Chikwe Ihekweazu
@Chikwe_I
The last 4 days have been busier than normal for us at @NCDCgov

We‘ve been responding to our 1st #COVID19 case, & associated panic. One thing we’re grateful for, is that the structures we built in the last 4 years have enabled our response in last 4 days

#NCDCSundayReflections
Within 12 hours of the case presenting at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, we carried out laboratory tests, confirmed #COVID19 and issued a press release. Within 24 hours, we updated our advisory for the general public and other response activities
The 4 labs with the capacity to test for #COVID19 in #Nigeria are the NCDC Reference Lab & 3 other labs within our network of molecular labs

When #COVID19 started in China, we were able to set up testing in Nigeria in weeks, because we already had labs with required equipment
Read 8 tweets
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Chikwe Ihekweazu
@Chikwe_I
There has been a lot of concern globally, about the capacity of African countries to respond in the event of #COVID19 outbreak

One clear difference between the 2014 Ebola outbreak and now, is the rise of regional health institutes- @OoasWaho & @AfricaCDC

#NCDCSundayReflections
Since the beginning of the #COVID19 outbreak in China, our coordination in Africa has been anchored by structures developed by @WHOAFRO, @AfricaCDC & @OoasWaho

These institutions have created a platform for collaboration, data sharing, training & capacity building
Through @AfricaCDC, colleagues from Member States have been trained in various areas in the last one month:

*Laboratory diagnosis
*Infection prevention and control
*Point of entry surveillance
*Risk communications

The use of regional resources for these training is exemplary!
Read 7 tweets
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ChikweNCDC
@Chikwe_I
There is a thin line between contributing to knowledge through research and prioritising public health response during outbreaks. For us at @NCDCgov, our responsibility is to find the right balance, as they are interdependent.
#NCDCSundayReflections
Both research and response are critical. We can not do one without the other. It is important for countries especially like ours, to focus on building strong foundations. Supporting communities to improve health systems that will build trust and save lives
Over the last 3 years, there has been an increased interest of global institutions- public health, research and funding institutes, in the work we do especially in response to #meningitis #Lassafever #monkeypox. We need research to develop new tools to improve response
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