Ebola: A’Ibom Health Commissioner Tasks DSNOs On Heightened Surveillance

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has called on Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) across the state’s 31 local government areas to intensify surveillance and promptly report suspected Ebola cases.

He gave the directive during a meeting with the officers at the Ministry of Health Conference Room in Uyo, stressing the need to adhere to established case definitions and public health guidelines.

Dr. John also urged the officers to educate residents using verified information from credible health authorities and submit detailed surveillance reports to support disease monitoring and response at state and national levels.

As part of efforts to strengthen public awareness, the commissioner announced a statewide sensitisation campaign in churches on Sunday, November 1, to educate worshippers on Ebola prevention and control, childhood immunisation and other essential health issues.

He also pledged to provide the officers with transportation and other work-related tools to improve surveillance activities across the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Bassey Akpan, emphasized the role of DSNOs and their assistants in grassroots disease surveillance, urging them to remain vigilant and report suspected cases promptly to facilitate early detection and response.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, led a training session on Ebola case definitions, equipping the officers with the knowledge to identify and classify suspected cases in line with established public health guidelines.

The State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Mrs. Aniefiok Akpan, also presented on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness, highlighting the need for effective coordination, timely reporting and stronger surveillance systems across the local government areas.

In another session, the State Laboratory Focal Person, Mrs. Enobong Ubong, trained participants on the safe collection, packaging, and transportation of samples for laboratory investigation, emphasizing strict compliance with safety protocols to protect health workers and ensure proper specimen handling.

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State LGA DSNOs Forum, Udeme Pius, reaffirmed the officers’ commitment to effective disease surveillance, reporting, and control.