The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has addressed recent news reports indicating the detection of 25 new COVID-19 cases in Benue State, clarifying that the information is a misinterpretation of statements made by a World Health Organization (WHO) State surveillance officer.
In an official statement Director General Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa said during the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media Personnel Meeting organized by the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with the WHO on December 11, 2023, the WHO surveillance officer provided an update on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Benue. She stated that “Benue State had recorded a total of 25 cases in the year 2023, with the last case recorded as of mid-April (epi week 18).” The information was derived from the publicly available situation report (SITREP) published weekly by the state ministry of health.
Since the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in Nigeria, the country has conducted a total of 6,013,826 tests, resulting in 267,184 confirmed cases and 3,155 deaths. In the last quarter of 2023 (October to December), 15,481 tests were conducted, leading to the confirmation of 75 cases across 25 states.
Following the WHO’s declaration that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the NCDC, has incorporated COVID-19 into the integrated disease surveillance strategy. This involves routine testing and reporting alongside other infectious diseases, aligning with pandemic flu preparedness and investigations for influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Given the potential severity of COVID-19 among high-risk groups, including the elderly, the NCDC continues year-round testing for cases presenting with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) or Influenza-like Illness (ILI). Efforts are underway to enhance surveillance for pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory pathogens, transitioning to a pan-respiratory disease surveillance (PRDS) platform.
The NCDC emphasizes the crucial role of the media in public health and national security, acknowledging the significance of responsible reporting. The organization values its partnership with the media but urges the media community to disseminate accurate information to avoid potential public health threats resulting from misinformation.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians. Dr. Adetifa emphasized the importance of transparent communication channels and providing accurate, timely information to prevent the spread of misinformation, which could cause unnecessary concern among the Nigerian populace.
