The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established an Infectious Disease Care Centre (IDCC) and molecular laboratory at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, Taraba State.
The establishment of the IDCC is in line with the mandate of the NCDC to support states in strengthening health security.
The Minster of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora who commissioned the Centre, commended the efforts of NCDC and the management of FMC Jalingo for their determination to see these projects to fruition.
“I must start by thanking Mr. President for his commitment. At the onset of the pandemic, Nigeria had just four molecular laboratories to test for the virus, we now have almost 120 laboratories across the government and private facilities. COVID-19 is not sparing. It has devastated the lives and livelihood of so many. We are building these structures so that we are better prepared for future outbreaks and the next pandemic”
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, several states in Nigeria had limited capacity for the management and detection of infectious diseases. In response to this, NCDC has been supporting states in establishing treatment centres and molecular laboratories. In the last eight months, four IDCC have been commissioned across states.
The NCDC has supported states in its preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks. This includes supporting the establishment of diagnostic capacity, public health emergency operations centres, as well as training of health workers and rapid responders across states.
The Centre has supported each of the 36 states to activate testing capacity for COVID-19, further strengthening the resilience of the health system.
