Ekiti Holds Three-Day Review of Public Health Emergency Operations Handbook

A part of concerted efforts to strengthen its response to public health emergencies, the Ekiti State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Project, has commenced a three-day review of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) Operational Handbook.

Speaking at the event in Ado-Ekiti, the State  Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, said the review would assess how well the handbook aligns with existing public health emergency management structures, policies, and operational realities in the state.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the Commissioner noted that Ekiti has made significant strides in emergency preparedness. 

These efforts, he said, have led to improved healthcare access and strengthened disease surveillance, with the state recently recognized as a top performer in disease surveillance and response.

Dr. Filani added that the review process would also validate the handbook’s consistency with established frameworks, including incident management systems and global health security guidelines.

Highlighting the objectives of the exercise, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Abayomi Ibrahim, alongside the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Abosede Alowooye, explained that the review would incorporate lessons from recent public health emergencies, simulation exercises, and after-action reviews.

They emphasized that the process would engage key stakeholders to ensure the handbook reflects multi-sectoral contributions and promotes collective ownership.

According to them, the review is expected to strengthen emergency response capacity by enhancing procedures, clarifying roles, and improving workflows that support effective activation and management of the PHEOC.

In his remarks, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) officer and lead resource person, Dr. Olaoluwa Aderinola, commended the initiative. 

He noted that institutionalizing the handbook would bolster health security and further improve the capacity, competence, and efficiency of emergency response teams in the state.

Other stakeholders present at the review included NCDC representatives, Public health emergency operation centre Pillar Leads, representatives of development Partners such as WHO, UNICEF, JPHIEGO, Red Cross as well as health professionals from the Emergency Operation Centre.