Thread by @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

Within 1 hour of confirmation of #COVID19 in Nigeria, the National EOC was activated. @LSMOH & Ogun state did similar

Since April 2018, NCDC has been supporting states in establishing Public Health EOCs. These existing structures have enabled rapid coordination. Now in 23 states

My Twitter profile & @NCDCgov’s has grown by thousands of followers! Our website & connect centre experienced high level of traffic

For years, we have used these platforms to communicate with Nigerians. In addition to media & community engagement, we continue to provide updates

I’m proud of the #NCDCTeam whose skills, expertise & importantly leadership continue to grow.

This Team has managed several large outbreaks, learned from these and are using lessons to respond to the #COVID19 case in Nigeria. A lot of work being done and lessons being learned

We’re grateful for the leadership and support from Mr President @MBuhari that granted us the required autonomy in 2018 and his continuous support, HMH @DrEOEhanire and State Commissioners of Health that are rising to this challenge of #COVID19.

A whole-of-government approach

We recognise that we are not where we want to be yet and keep learning. Every outbreak is an opportunity to learn and be better prepared for the next outbreak.

More than ever, we need the trust of Nigerians in NCDC as their National Public Health Institute