Committee to coordinate rapid response, strengthen preparedness against epidemics like cholera, Lassa fever and Ebola threats.
The Ekiti State Government has inaugurated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Steering Committee to strengthen health security and improve preparedness for disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who chairs the committee, said the initiative was prompted by recent global and local health challenges, including COVID-19, cholera, Lassa fever and measles outbreaks.
He said the steering committee would provide strategic direction, policy guidance, oversight and coordination to ensure effective operation of the emergency centre, describing it as a key investment in public safety and resilience.
Filani also noted ongoing concerns over recent Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, stressing the need for proactive preparedness rather than reactive response.
He reaffirmed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory capacity, workforce development and emergency coordination across the state.
Other officials said the committee would enhance inter-agency collaboration, improve resource mobilisation and ensure a more coordinated response to health emergencies.
Members of the committee include commissioners from key ministries such as information, environment, finance, budget and agriculture, alongside top health officials and emergency response experts.