AKWA IBOM STATE Public Health Emergency Operations Centre - Pheoc

12/08/2026

10/08/2026

*REACH Malaria Project Donates Laboratory Consumables to Strengthen Malaria Diagnosis in Akwa Ibom State*

The REACH Malaria Project, implemented by PATH Nigeria/Organization for Innovation in Public Health (OIPH), has donated laboratory consumables to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health to support malaria diagnosis and strengthen the state’s malaria prevention and control efforts.

The items were formally handed over to the State Ministry of Health in Uyo on Monday, August 10, 2026, as part of efforts by the project to enhance the capacity of health facilities to provide effective malaria diagnostic services across the state.

Representing the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner’s Technical Adviser, Dr. Etop Antia, appreciated the REACH Malaria Project, implemented by PATH, for its continued support to the state health system.

Dr. Ekem John assured the organisation that the donated malaria consumables would be equitably distributed to health facilities across the state. He noted that the provision of the laboratory materials would contribute to strengthening malaria diagnosis and ultimately improve the quality of care available to residents.

The Commissioner commended the organisation for its continued partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government in advancing healthcare delivery, particularly in the area of malaria prevention and control.

Also speaking, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the REACH Malaria Project, PATH, Dr. Ime Akpan, pledged the organisation’s continued support to the state health system, particularly in the area of malaria prevention.

Dr. Akpan said the organisation remained committed to working with the state government to strengthen interventions aimed at reducing the burden of malaria and improving health outcomes among residents.

He further emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between development partners and the state government to ensure that health facilities have the necessary resources to effectively deliver quality services to the people.

The donated items include 12 boxes of laboratory wipes, containing 60 pieces each; 20 containers of Wright stain powder; two packs of cardboard slide trays, containing five pieces each; and 15 slide boxes.

The consumables are expected to support laboratory personnel in the proper processing and examination of blood samples for malaria diagnosis, thereby contributing to improved case detection, accurate diagnosis and effective management of malaria cases across the state.

Also present at the handover ceremony were the Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Bassey Akpan, and the Director of State Public Health Laboratory, Enobong Ubong, alongside other officials of the State Ministry of Health.

Info and PR Unit
Ministry of Health

09/08/2026

06/08/2026

Students Gain First-Hand Insight into Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Operations

As part of their ongoing practicum programme, students of the Department of Health Information Management, College of Health Technology, Etinan, on Thursday, 6th August 2026, participated in an interactive orientation session with the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh, at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health.

The session, titled "Introduction to Epidemiology Unit Operations," provided the students with a comprehensive overview of the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the State Epidemiology Unit. Dr. Eneh highlighted the Unit's critical mandate in disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, public health data management, disease reporting, coordination of surveillance activities, and emergency response systems aimed at protecting the health of the population.

The interactive lecture exposed participants to the principles and practical application of epidemiology in strengthening health security, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring timely detection, reporting, and response to priority diseases and other public health events. Students also gained valuable insights into the collaborative roles of healthcare professionals, surveillance officers, laboratories, and community stakeholders in maintaining an effective public health surveillance system.

Dr. Eneh emphasized the importance of accurate health information, quality data management, and prompt reporting as essential components of evidence-based public health decision-making. He encouraged the students to embrace professionalism, continuous learning, and ethical practice as they prepare for careers in health information management and public health.

The orientation forms part of the Unit's commitment to bridging classroom learning with practical field experience, equipping future health information professionals with the knowledge and skills required to support disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health system strengthening in Nigeria.

The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which students interacted with the State Epidemiologist on contemporary public health challenges, surveillance systems, and career opportunities in epidemiology and health emergency management.

This practical engagement further reinforces the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health's commitment to mentoring the next generation of public health professionals while promoting excellence in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and health information management.

31/07/2026

Fifty years of life is a golden milestone—a celebration of grace, wisdom, experience, and remarkable achievements. Today, we celebrate not only the gift of your life but also the exceptional woman, leader, mentor, and public health professional that you have become.
Your dedication to disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, public health leadership, and the strengthening of the health system in Akwa Ibom State is truly commendable. Your leadership and commitment continue to inspire everyone in the Epidemiology Unit.

As you celebrate this golden jubilee, we pray that God Almighty will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, strength, peace, favour, and greater accomplishments. May the years ahead be filled with renewed purpose, happiness, fulfilment, and abundant grace.
Congratulations on attaining this golden milestone, Ma!

May your 50th birthday mark the beginning of an even more beautiful and impactful chapter of your life.

~ Epidemiology Unit

27/07/2026

ABU MPH Students Complete Five-Week Public Health Practicum at Akwa Ibom State PHEOC

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | July 27, 2026

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, through the Directorate of Public Health Services and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC),/Epidemiology Unit has successfully concluded a five-week practicum programme for Master of Public Health (MPH) students from the Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Distance Learning Centre.

The students, who commenced their field placement on 25th June, 2026, completed the intensive public health practicum on 27th July, 2026, following a comprehensive presentation showcasing the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences gained during the programme.

Designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world public health practice, the practicum exposed the students to key components of disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, outbreak response, laboratory systems, and health systems strengthening in Akwa Ibom State.

Throughout the programme, the students received hands-on training and mentorship from experienced public health professionals in the Epidemiology Unit headed by the State Epidemiologist, Dr Nchiek Edet Eneh in areas including Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), Supportive supervision and active case search, Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS), Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM), outbreak investigation and response, Community-Based Surveillance (CBS), Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), Infodemic Management (IM), wastewater surveillance for poliovirus, contact tracing, laboratory specimen collection and transportation, biosafety, monitoring and evaluation, health data management, and surveillance reporting systems. They also participated in practical field visits to the State Public Health Laboratory, Model Health Centre, Uyo, and the Akwa Ibom State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, where they gained first-hand experience in public health operations and emergency coordination.

The practicum climaxed with a well-articulated presentation by the students, highlighting lessons learnt, practical experiences, key public health interventions observed, challenges encountered, and recommendations for strengthening future field-based training programmes. Their presentation reflected a sound understanding of Nigeria's disease surveillance architecture and the critical role of coordinated public health action in protecting populations from disease outbreaks.

24/07/2026

NATIONAL EOC AND WHO COMMEND AKWA IBOM STATE'S COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND THE ELIMINATION OF OPEN DEFECATION

By Dominic J. Essien

Officials from the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its sustained commitment to promoting environmental sanitation, improving public health, and advancing efforts towards the elimination of open defecation across the State.

The commendation came during the technical field mission to Akwa Ibom State, where members of the delegation observed the State's deliberate investment in public health awareness through strategically placed Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) signposts and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials displayed along major roads and public spaces.

The messages, including "Stop Open Defecation", "Use the Toilet" and "Keep Akwa Ibom State Clean," reflect the State Government's unwavering commitment to promoting healthy behaviours, safeguarding the environment, and fostering a culture of cleanliness among residents and visitors alike.
The visiting team noted that the consistent visibility of these public health messages demonstrates a proactive approach to risk communication and community engagement.
By continuously educating residents and travellers on the dangers of open defecation and the importance of environmental hygiene, the State is reinforcing positive social norms that support disease prevention and healthier communities.

According to the delegation, sustained public awareness campaigns remain one of the most effective strategies for achieving lasting behaviour change. The prominent display of SBCC and IEC materials across the State serves not only as a reminder of acceptable sanitation practices but also as a public declaration of Akwa Ibom State's determination to maintain a clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly society.

The team further observed that the clean surroundings, orderly environment, and strong visibility of sanitation messages reflect the Government's sustained investment in environmental health promotion and community mobilization. They described the initiative as an excellent example of integrating health promotion into everyday public spaces to encourage responsible sanitation practices.

Members of the WHO and National EOC delegation expressed their appreciation to the Akwa Ibom State Government for prioritising environmental sanitation and promoting healthy behavioural practices through continuous public education. They noted that such sustained efforts contribute significantly to reducing the risk of faecal-oral disease transmission, protecting water sources, preventing outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera, and strengthening overall public health security.

The delegation also acknowledged the vital role of community participation in sustaining these achievements. They emphasised that government policies are most effective when supported by informed and responsible citizens who consistently adopt healthy sanitation and hygiene practices.

The visitors encouraged the State to sustain its investments in health promotion, community engagement, environmental sanitation, and behaviour change communication, noting that continuous public education is essential for achieving the national goal of ending open defecation and improving sanitation outcomes.
They further stated that Akwa Ibom State's visible commitment to cleanliness and public health promotion provides an encouraging model for other states seeking to strengthen environmental sanitation and promote healthier communities through strategic risk communication and sustained social mobilisation.

The commendation by the National EOC and WHO delegation underscores the importance of collaboration between government, development partners, and communities in creating an environment where healthy behaviours are encouraged, sanitation standards are upheld, and public health remains a shared responsibility.

24/07/2026

*National EOC, WHO Strengthen Wastewater Surveillance in Akwa Ibom, Identify Two Additional Sampling Sites*

Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State | Friday, July 24, 2026

Efforts to strengthen Wastewater Surveillance (WWS) in Akwa Ibom State have received a significant boost following a joint technical field assessment conducted by officials of the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The mission forms part of ongoing initiatives to enhance environmental surveillance for the early detection of disease-causing pathogens, strengthen epidemic intelligence, and improve public health emergency preparedness and response across the State.

The delegation, which arrived in Ikot Ekpene at approximately 9:20 a.m., was led by the State Wastewater Surveillance Officer, Mr. Dominic Essien, on behalf of the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Edet Eneh. Other members of the team included the Acting WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Ojimah; National EOC officers, Dr. Isah Salisu and Dr. Jusuf Kabiru; the Wastewater Surveillance Back-up Sample Collector, Mr. Uduak Udoh; and the Assistant Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Ikot Ekpene LGA, Mr. Eteobong Udobre.

The assessment commenced with a comprehensive inspection of the existing Ikot Ekpene Police Station Wastewater Surveillance Site, which currently serves as the State's routine wastewater sample collection point.

To better understand wastewater flow dynamics and identify opportunities for expanding surveillance coverage, the technical team traced the drainage network upstream. The exercise led to the identification of two additional viable wastewater surveillance sites located at:

1. Nto Udoeto by Edidem Bassey Street

2. Egbu Road by Ikot Ekpene Main Motor Park

The newly identified locations are expected to improve the representativeness of wastewater samples, expand surveillance coverage, and strengthen the State's capacity for the early detection of pathogens circulating within communities.

During the assessment, the team observed varying degrees of silt accumulation and drainage blockage, particularly during the dry season. Following a review of recent Enterovirus (EV) isolation trends, members concluded that poor wastewater flow caused by blocked drainage channels may have contributed to the reduced enterovirus isolation rates recorded during previous surveillance rounds, especially in the dry season.

To address this challenge, the team recommended routine desilting of the drainage channels during the dry season to ensure continuous wastewater flow and improve sample quality.

The technical team also reviewed the current sampling schedule and recommended adjusting the routine sample collection time from 6:00 a.m. to between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. This adjustment is expected to enhance sample representativeness by allowing greater wastewater accumulation during periods of increased community activity.

To further strengthen surveillance quality and laboratory detection, the team agreed that future wastewater sampling should be conducted at all three identified surveillance points. Under the revised sampling strategy, 400 millilitres (mL) of wastewater will be collected from each site, producing a combined composite sample volume of 1.2 litres.

The three approved sampling sites are:

1. Ikot Ekpene Police Station Site

2. Nto Udoeto by Edidem Bassey Street

3. Egbu Road by Ikot Ekpene Main Motor Park

The increased sample volume is expected to improve laboratory analysis, enhance the sensitivity of environmental surveillance, increase Enterovirus isolation rates, strengthen polio surveillance, and complement Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance activities.

Recognising the importance of maintaining specimen integrity during transportation, the team further recommended the procurement of four additional ice packs to complement the four already available, thereby strengthening the cold-chain system for wastewater sample transportation to the National Reference laboratory in Ibadan.

Considering the prevailing weather conditions and the potential impact of rainfall on wastewater quality, the team also agreed that the July 2026 wastewater sample collection should be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, provided there is no rainfall, to minimise sample dilution and ensure optimal sample quality.

As part of the field mission, the delegation visited the Primary Health Care Operational Base in Ikot Ekpene, where discussions focused on the availability of logistics and cold-chain materials, particularly ice packs required for wastewater sample preservation and transportation.

At the conclusion of the exercise, members of the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Wastewater Surveillance in Akwa Ibom State through enhanced technical coordination, improved operational efficiency, quality assurance, and sustained collaboration among government institutions and development partners.

The team emphasized that a robust Wastewater Surveillance system serves as an effective early warning mechanism for detecting infectious disease threats, guiding evidence-based public health interventions, strengthening Enterovirus and polio surveillance, and reinforcing Nigeria's Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system.

The successful field assessment marks another important milestone in Akwa Ibom State's commitment to building resilient disease surveillance systems capable of protecting communities through proactive disease detection and timely public health action.

23/07/2026

National EOC, WHO Team Visit Akwa Ibom to Strengthen Wastewater Surveillance and Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Uyo/Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State | Thursday, July 23, 2026

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen disease surveillance systems and enhance public health emergency preparedness in Nigeria, officers from the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), accompanied by the Acting World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Ojimah, paid an official technical visit to Akwa Ibom State to assess and strengthen Wastewater Surveillance (WWS) activities.

The visit commenced at the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Uyo, where the delegation was received by the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (SDSNO), Mrs. Aniefiok Akpan, alongside the State Wastewater Surveillance Officer, Mr. Dominic Essien on behalf of the State Epidemiologist, Dr Nchiek Edet Eneh.

Welcoming the team, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Nchiek Edet Eneh, represented by the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (SDSNO) Mrs Aniefiok Akpan highlighted the State Government's commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness. She provided a comprehensive overview of the implementation of Wastewater Surveillance in Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing its growing importance as a complementary surveillance strategy for the early detection of pathogens circulating within communities.

She noted that the State has continued to prioritize integrated surveillance approaches capable of detecting public health threats early, thereby supporting timely response and evidence-based decision-making.

Following the briefing at the State EOC, the delegation proceeded to the Ikot Ekpene Police Station Wastewater Surveillance Site, where the State WWS Officer, Mr. Dominic Essien, conducted the National team on a guided technical inspection.

During the site assessment, Mr. Essien explained the operational procedures guiding wastewater sample collection in the Site, including sample collection schedules, transportation timelines, biosafety protocols, quality assurance measures, and laboratory referral processes. He stressed that environmental factors, particularly heavy rainfall, significantly influence sample quality.

According to him, wastewater samples are not collected immediately after heavy rainfall because excessive dilution may compromise laboratory analysis and reduce the sensitivity of surveillance results. He therefore informed the team that the sample collection earlier scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, had been rescheduled to Friday, July 24, 2026, following persistent overnight rainfall in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The National EOC officers conducted a detailed assessment of the existing sample collection point, identifying its operational strengths, accessibility, safety, and suitability for sustained surveillance activities. The team also examined potential operational challenges and explored additional locations within Ikot Ekpene LGA that could serve as alternative wastewater sample collection sites to further strengthen the surveillance network.

Present during the technical site inspection were the Acting WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Ojimah; the State WWS Officer, Mr. Dominic Essien; the Wastewater Surveillance Back-up Sample Collector, Mr. Uduak Udoh; the Ikot Ekpene Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), Mrs. Enewan Sampson; and the Assistant DSNO, who all participated in the assessment and technical discussions.

As part of the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Medical Superintendent of Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Dr. Nene Andem, who warmly received the team.

Introducing the delegation, Mr. Dominic Essien explained that the visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the National EOC and WHO to strengthen Wastewater Surveillance activities, improve multisectoral collaboration, and reinforce public health preparedness within Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ojimah, the Acting WHO State Coordinator, appreciated the hospital management for the warm reception despite their demanding schedule. He emphasized that Wastewater Surveillance has become an increasingly important public health tool globally because it enables the early detection of infectious disease pathogens before widespread clinical cases are reported.

He explained that strengthening Wastewater Surveillance contributes significantly to epidemic intelligence, early warning, rapid risk assessment, and prompt public health response, particularly for diseases with epidemic potential. He reaffirmed WHO's commitment to providing continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and operational support to Akwa Ibom State in strengthening Wastewater surveillance systems.

The National EOC officers also commended the management of Ikot Ekpene General Hospital for its support towards surveillance activities and acknowledged the State Government's commitment to improving public health systems. They reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among healthcare facilities, surveillance officers, development partners, and government institutions in safeguarding population health.

Responding, Dr. Nene Andem expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and described it as a demonstration of the shared commitment towards strengthening public health systems in the State.

She commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for his continued investment in the health sector and acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, in advancing healthcare delivery and disease surveillance across the State.

Dr. Andem reaffirmed that Ikot Ekpene General Hospital remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services while actively supporting disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, infection prevention and control, patient safety, and other critical public health interventions. She further called for sustained collaboration between the State Government, WHO, the National EOC, and other development partners to strengthen health security and improve public health outcomes.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments by all stakeholders to continue strengthening Wastewater Surveillance as a critical component of polio surveillance as well as Nigeria's Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system. The team emphasized that robust environmental surveillance, combined with strong coordination, timely laboratory analysis, and multisectoral collaboration, remains essential for the early detection of disease threats, prevention of outbreaks, and protection of the health of communities across Akwa Ibom State.