The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) Executive Secretary, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, has emphasized the gravity of medical personnel’s works and procedural ethics and methodologies in saving lives and preventing epidemics.
Dr. Omosigho further noted during a two-day comprehensive training program organised by EDSPHHCDA in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) for Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and Assistant Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (ADSNOs) across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State.
He stressed that the surveillance activities conducted in their respective LGAs play an important role in not only safeguarding the state’s population but also contributing to global health security.
The training objectives were presented by Dr. Gideon Iraoyah, the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, EDSPHCDA, who stated that the aim of the training was to equip DSNOs and Assistant DSNOs with the necessary skills and knowledge that would empower them to detect, respond to, and control possible health threats and disease outbreaks effectively at their respective LGAs.
The training covered a wide range of practice areas, such as surveillance for priority diseases/health events, data tool utilization and community collaboration.
Seasoned facilitators from WHO led the training sessions, ensuring that DSNOs and Assistant DSNOs gained a comprehensive understanding of each topic. Interactive sessions, discussions, and exercises were designed to foster active learning and practical application of concepts.
Dr. Nora Eyo, Edo State WHO State Coordinator, further enriched the training by sharing updates on global Polio Eradication Initiatives (PEI) and reviewing the state’s Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance performance for the years 2022, 2021, and 2020.
In additional, the WHO Zonal Coordinator and State Coordinator presented surveillance data tools to the State.
Worth noting, The knowledge gained by the DSNOs and their assistants during the training will not only improve the quality of surveillance activities within the state but also contribute to global efforts in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks. As these trained officers return to their LGAs armed with valuable insights, Edo State moves one step closer to a safer and healthier future for all its citizens.
