Two-day training for surveillance officers in the state on COVID-19 surveillance response, infection prevention and control has commenced in Awka.


The training organized by the Anambra State Government in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the European Union is aimed at increasing the readiness of the Surveillance Officers to identify and manage any case of suspected COVID-19 as part of the State’s efforts in her preparations to respond effectively to emergencies.


While declaring the training open, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala said several trainings have been lined up, either ongoing or completed in the State’s action plan to contain COVID-19 in the State and to ensure that every single health worker is ready against any eventuality of the virus.


Dr Okpala explained that these trainings are alongside other health infrastructure that have been put in place to prevent, manage and contain the viral disease.


The Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Indigenous and Herbal Medicine Practice and Managing Director, Anambra Oxygen Production Plant, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, on his part said that the training which is expected to be stepped down to other health workers will provide the support system the state needs to case management of COVID-19 if it is ever registered in the state.


The Anambra State Coordinator, World Health Organization, Dr Chimuanya Igboekwu, and the Project Manager, Health Systems Strengthening Project of European Union, Mr Ndubisi Oji in their separate lectures which highlighted the case identification and management proceedures, decried the dangers caused by the Social media misinformation in the control of COVID-19 and noted the importance for both health workers and the media to step up the message of supplying the public with the right message.


Also at the training was the State Epidemiologist and Manager, Anambra State Public Health Operations Emergency Centre, Dr Chijioke Obagha.
The World Health Organization and the European Union later presented COVID-19 information materials to the State Government.