STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE SURVEILLANCE FOR COVID-19
Strategy · Health
A Strategy outlines approaches for COVID-19 surveillance in Nigeria, including contact tracing and genomic sequencing. It targets state epidemiologists and healthcare facilities. This aims to detect cases early and guide policy responses.
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE SURVEILLANCE FOR COVID-19
What Is This Policy?
A strategic document outlining Nigeria's approach to COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance, including sentinel surveillance, contact tracing, genomic sequencing, and data reporting systems.
Who Does It Target?
State epidemiologists and public health officers Healthcare facilities acting as sentinel surveillance sites NCDC national surveillance teams International partners supporting Nigeria's surveillance
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Detect COVID-19 cases early and accurately, track transmission chains through contact tracing, monitor variant emergence through genomic surveillance, and provide data to guide policy responses.
Key Features
Sentinel Surveillance: Establishes designated healthcare facilities as sentinel sites for systematic COVID-19 testing and reporting. Contact Tracing System: Deploys trained contact tracers to identify and monitor all contacts of confirmed cases. Genomic Sequencing: Supports sequencing of COVID-19 viral samples to detect and monitor variants of concern in Nigeria. Data Management: Strengthens the national disease surveillance information system (DSNO) for real-time reporting.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Operational during the pandemic; framework informing ongoing disease surveillance Coverage: Nationwide, through all state epidemiology departments Beneficiaries: Nigerian public through improved outbreak detection and response Funding: NCDC; international donors (WHO, US CDC, UK Aid)
How to Access
Healthcare facilities must report COVID-19 cases through the NCDC notification system Contact tracers must be trained and credentialled by NCDC or state ministries Application method: For reporting and surveillance participation: engage the state Ministry of Health.
Impact & Metrics
Enabled Nigeria to track multiple COVID-19 waves, detect B.1.1.7 and Delta variant introductions, and tailor public health responses accordingly.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.ncdc.gov.ng Contact: Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
Legal Framework
Operates under the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Establishment Act 2018, the National Health Act 2014, the Public Health Act, and the International Health Regulations 2005. Draws on WHO COVID-19 surveillance guidelines, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) standards, and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 framework.