The World Health Organisation, WHO, on Monday donated 853 motorcycles to the Nigerian government to strengthen diseases surveillance across the country.
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Wondi Alemu, while presenting the motorcycles to the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, in Abuja, said the donation was aimed at building a highly sensitive and robust system to rapidly detect and respond to diseases of epidemic potential.
According to him, “Diseases Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) play a major role in active surveillance at the field level through visits to communities and health facilities, as well as in linking with key community informants.
“They also facilitate timely investigation and response to outbreaks where they occur; this group of professionals deserves to be provided with the most appropriate logistics to enhance their mobility,” he said.
Alemu further urged the minister to ensure that the motorcycles were properly maintained and put to good use.
In his remark, Prof. Adewole commended the WHO country representative for the gesture and acknowledged that disease surveillance was critical for public health maintenance.
“When we are able to detect and respond appropriately, we will be able to curtail the spread of diseases and maintain good health across the nation.
“The 853 motorcycles that have been donated will certainly be used by DSNOs in appropriate manner.
“They will also be utilised effectively to help detect disease outbreaks.
“It is important for us to know and detect outbreaks promptly because when we do not know on time, diseases will spread.
“So, with good and early notification, we will investigate and make appropriate diagnosis and be able to respond accordingly,” the Minister said.
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