A four-day workshop on the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of Sub-National Health Security in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR) has commenced in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The initiative aims to assess the state’s health system resilience, its ability to detect and respond to health threats, and the level of preparedness for potential health emergencies. The evaluation also seeks to identify strengths and gaps in the current health infrastructure to help prioritize targeted interventions for improved health security.
The workshop is being supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the health-focused NGO Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. John Damina, described the exercise as a wake-up call. He emphasized the need for increased investment in the health sector and urged prompt fund releases during disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
Also addressing participants, the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Olajide Idris—represented by the agency’s Director of Policy, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Oyeladun Okunamade—said the evaluation would help validate Nasarawa State’s internal assessment. The findings, he noted, would inform the development of a strategic action plan to address existing gaps.
Dr. Nanlop Ogbureke, Executive Director of Resolve to Save Lives Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the assessment in improving the state’s disease detection, response capabilities, and overall emergency preparedness.
Participants at the workshop include representatives from the state ministries of Health, Finance, Agriculture, Water Resources, and Justice, as well as federal and state agencies such as NAFDAC and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The workshop is scheduled to conclude on Friday.