NCDC establishes COVID-19 testing laboratory for N/East in Borno

The Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established a COVID-19 testing laboratory at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to enhance effective surveillance, detection and response to the pandemic in the North East region.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, confirmed this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Ahidjo said that henceforth, the samples of suspected cases of COVID-19 in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and other neighbouring  states, can be tested and conducted at  the facility.

Reports have it that the NCDC had installed the Surveillance, Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) to improve disease surveillance, detection and management of any outbreaks.

He explained that 10 laboratory scientists and two quality control officers had undergone capacity training on how to use the machines and kits by the NCDC management.

He said that the hospital had adopted proactive measures aimed at mitigating the spread of Coronavirus, and protecting the health and safety of patients, staff and visitors.

The CMD said that the support was timely as it came at a critical time of need.

He urged well meaning individuals, philanthropists and business communities to emulate the foundation to enable it improve quality of health in the society.

Borno is one of the 17 states in Nigeria yet to record any Coronavirus case.

Reports also have it that the NCDC has supported about 11 states to establish Public Health Emergency Operations Centres for improved coordination of outbreak preparedness and response.

The states include  Osun, Lagos, Oyo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Ebonyi, Borno, Plateau and Rivers as well as FCT-Abuja.