The United States has intensified its support for West Africa’s public health sector by training emergency operations staff to better prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), recently concluded the first Regional Public Health Emergency Management Training in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the US Mission in Abuja, on Sunday, it was disclosed that seventeen public health officers from across West Africa completed the two-week intensive programme designed to strengthen the region’s capacity to handle epidemics and pandemics.
Participants were trained on managing incident systems, which are crucial for coordinating effective responses during public health emergencies.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Acting Global Health Protection Director at the US CDC, Asmau Aminu-Alhaji, praised the trainees for their dedication.
“Your commitment to protecting public health, not only in your countries but also across West Africa, is commendable,” she said.
She further emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation, noting that “health threats do not recognise borders, and collaboration remains essential to safeguard communities.”
The certification programme forms part of wider efforts by the US Government to bolster global health security by equipping frontline responders with advanced skills in emergency management and crisis coordination.
