Federal Govt Commissions Health Emergency Operations Centre In Katsina

The Federal Government has commissioned an expanded Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Katsina State to strengthen coordination and response to public health emergencies.

During the commissioning ceremony, the state Executive Secretary, Dr Shamsudee Yahaya said the upgraded facility would improve disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and rapid response to outbreaks and other health-related challenges across the state.

According to him, the centre, which previously served as a Polio Emergency Coordination Centre, has now been expanded into a comprehensive Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

“This expansion gives us more space, better data systems, and stronger coordination,” he said.

Dr Shamsudee explained that the upgraded centre would enhance the monitoring and tracking of health data, facilitate quicker deployment of emergency response teams to hard-to-reach communities, and improve response to diseases including circulating COVID-19 variants and polio.

“We can now monitor and track data from everywhere, deploy teams faster to hard-to-reach areas, and respond with greater speed and precision,” he added.

The facility is equipped with modern communication systems, internet connectivity, and uninterrupted power supply, while also providing a conducive working environment capable of accommodating up to 100 personnel and development partners.

Dr. Shamsudee commended the Katsina State Government for investing in primary healthcare and health system security, noting that the support of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda contributed significantly to the successful expansion of the centre.

He also appreciated the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and development partners for their continued support toward strengthening healthcare delivery and eradicating polio in Nigeria.

“We want to sincerely thank you for the sacrifices that have been made. Our work will not be done until every child is protected,” he stated.

He expressed optimism that the upgraded facility would contribute significantly to achieving a polio-free Nigeria and a healthier Katsina State.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor DIkko Umaru Radda of Katsina State.