The Federal Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with private and independent health research institutions to improve disease surveillance, strengthen public health security and prevent future disease outbreaks.
Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, made the pledge during a technical visit to the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust in Kano.
Idris said the NCDC would deepen collaboration with KIRCT and other research institutions across the country to strengthen Nigeria’s disease detection and response capacity.
“We are also pushing for more collaborations with various state governments to support them in detecting and controlling factors that could lead to disease outbreaks,” he said.
He said the agency plans to accelerate the initiative by leveraging the expertise of Nigerian scientists.
“Our plan for collaboration needs to be fast-tracked because we have many scientists across the country. We need to bring them together and encourage them to carry out research that was previously done outside Nigeria. It is time to build our local capacity and showcase it,” Idris said.
He commended KIRCT for its research facilities and personnel, describing the institution as well-organized and staffed by dedicated professionals.
“We are going to work together. We will exchange materials, conduct joint training, collaborate on public health decisions and explore ways to support one another,” he added.
KIRCT Director-General Prof. Hamisu Salisu welcomed the NCDC delegation and expressed optimism about stronger collaboration between the two institutions.
“He has seen what we are doing here, and I am pleased that he has a positive impression of our work,” Salisu said.
He noted that while the research center already works closely with the Kano State public health system, greater collaboration with the NCDC is needed, particularly in the handling of bio-specimens and other sensitive public health activities.
“We are a private institution, and we collaborate with government agencies and other partners. However, for sensitive areas, especially deadly infections, we require the approval of the NCDC because it is the lead agency for health security in Nigeria,” Salisu said.
