The Federal Government has commissioned an upgraded Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Katsina State to strengthen Nigeria’s response to disease outbreaks, immunisation efforts, and public health emergencies.
The facility, unveiled by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with support from partners including the Gates Foundation and eHealth Africa, is designed to improve coordination of health interventions across the state.
Officials said the centre, which previously functioned mainly as a Polio Emergency Coordination hub, has now been expanded to handle a wider range of public health emergencies, including disease surveillance and rapid outbreak response.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Shamsudeen Yahaya, said the upgraded centre would improve decision-making and emergency coordination across all levels of the health system.
He explained that the facility now has enhanced communication systems, modern data tools, uninterrupted electricity, internet connectivity, and the capacity to host up to 100 personnel during emergency operations.
According to him, the centre will serve as a command hub where health authorities and development partners can monitor real-time data, coordinate responses, and deploy rapid intervention teams to hard-to-reach communities.
Yahaya added that the expansion reflects the growing need to address not only polio-related activities but also other infectious disease outbreaks and public health challenges.
He praised the contributions of development partners in supporting Nigeria’s long-standing polio eradication campaign, noting that the country’s efforts have already led to the elimination of wild poliovirus, though vaccine-derived strains and other outbreaks remain a concern.
Health authorities say the improved infrastructure will help strengthen surveillance systems and improve preparedness for future health emergencies in Katsina State and beyond.
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