Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 300 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello, bright star! I’m really happy to see you in class today. You’re doing something powerful—learning how the world watches out for diseases, keeps people safe, and prevents health disasters. Our focus today is Surveillance Systems in Nigeria and Globally (e.g., NCDC, WHO). This topic connects what you learn in microbiology to real-life actions taken to protect millions of lives across Nigeria and the world.
Surveillance Systems In Nigeria And Globally (E.g., Ncdc, Who)
Let’s think of disease surveillance like a neighbourhood watch system. If a strange activity happens, neighbours take notice and report it. In the same way, health workers, hospitals, and labs are constantly looking out for unusual patterns of disease and sending reports to higher authorities. This process is called disease surveillance—a continuous, systematic collection and analysis of health data to detect problems early and respond quickly.
In Nigeria and globally, surveillance systems play a critical role in early warning, outbreak response, and health planning.
Surveillance Systems in Nigeria
Nigeria has several systems that help track diseases, especially through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which is the lead public health agency responsible for detecting and responding to infectious diseases.
1. Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR):
Launched by WHO and adopted by Nigeria to strengthen national disease surveillance.
It focuses on priority diseases, including cholera, measles, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.
Health facilities report weekly and immediately for any outbreak.
It includes community-level reporting, health centre data, and lab confirmation.
2. National Reference Laboratories (NRLs):
Located in Abuja and other centres, they confirm and analyse disease samples.
They support surveillance with accurate and timely results.
3. Event-Based Surveillance (EBS):
Gathers information from informal sources like social media, radio, and community reports.
Useful for detecting unusual health events quickly.
4. Digital Tools and Technology (e.g., SORMAS):
SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System) is used in Nigeria to track outbreaks in real time.
Health workers enter case data using tablets or phones, improving speed and coordination.
Global Surveillance Systems
At the global level, disease surveillance is coordinated by bodies like:
1. World Health Organization (WHO):
Leads international public health.
Coordinates disease alerts, provides technical support, and sets standards.
Operates systems like the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
2. Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI):
Tracks and responds to poliovirus cases around the world.
Nigeria played a major role here until it was declared wild polio-free in 2020.
3. International Health Regulations (IHR):
A global legal framework by WHO that all countries follow to report certain diseases, e.g., Ebola, COVID-19.
4. Centres for Disease Control (CDCs):
Examples include the US CDC and Africa CDC, which collaborate with countries for regional disease monitoring and emergency response.
Imagine you’re a doctor in a community hospital in Osun State. You notice 5 children from different homes suddenly develop yellow eyes and fever. You immediately notify the local health officer, who reports to NCDC using SORMAS. A team investigates, confirms hepatitis A, and takes swift action. Meanwhile, WHO is notified and watches for spread to other regions. That is a functioning surveillance system—from local to global—at work.
Summary
- Disease surveillance involves the ongoing collection, analysis, and reporting of health data.
- In Nigeria, the NCDC, IDSR, SORMAS, and reference labs support surveillance.
- Globally, WHO, GOARN, and Africa CDC play major roles in monitoring and responding to health threats.
- Surveillance systems are key to early detection, rapid response, and preventing outbreaks.
Evaluation
- What is the role of NCDC in Nigeria’s health system?
- Mention two diseases tracked under the IDSR system.
- What does SORMAS help with in surveillance?
- Name one global surveillance body and its function.
- Why is disease surveillance important?
You did absolutely great today! Understanding surveillance means you’re getting closer to becoming a leader in protecting lives across communities and nations. You’re building skills that really matter—and Afrilearn is proud to support you on this journey. Keep showing up and shining bright—see you in the next exciting lesson!