Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, has urged Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) across the state’s 31 local government areas to strengthen surveillance, promptly identify suspected Ebola cases and ensure timely reporting.
Dr. John gave the charge on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a meeting with the officers at the Ministry of Health Conference Room, Uyo, stressing the importance of adhering to established case definitions and preventive guidelines.
He urged the DSNOs to educate the public using verified information from credible health authorities and submit detailed surveillance reports, noting that their findings and analysis were vital to disease monitoring and response at state and national levels.
The Commissioner also announced a statewide sensitisation campaign in churches on Sunday, November 1, to promote awareness of Ebola prevention and control, childhood immunisation and other essential health issues.
To improve surveillance operations, he pledged to provide the officers with transportation and other work-related tools.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Bassey Akpan, emphasised the critical role of DSNOs and their assistants in strengthening disease surveillance at the grassroots, urging them to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases to facilitate early detection and effective response.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nchiek Eneh, led a training session on Ebola case definition, equipping the officers with the knowledge to identify and classify suspected cases in line with established public health guidelines. He stressed the importance of early recognition and timely notification in preventing the spread of the disease.
In her presentation on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (SDSNO), Mrs. Aniefiok Akpan, highlighted key preparedness measures and the need for effective coordination, prompt reporting and strengthened surveillance systems across the local government areas.
The State Laboratory Focal Person, Mrs. Enobong Ubong, trained the participants on sample collection, packaging and transfer, emphasising strict adherence to established safety protocols to protect health workers and ensure the proper handling and transportation of specimens for laboratory investigation.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State LGA DSNOs Forum , Mr Udeme Pius commended the Commissioner’s leadership and reaffirmed the officers’ commitment to professional disease surveillance, reporting and control.
