The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, has commenced extensive renovation of its infectious disease centre to strengthen preparedness for public health emergencies and emerging disease outbreaks.

Thairu Yunusa, the hospital’s chief medical director, made this known during an inspection of the facility on Thursday.

Mr Yunusa said the renovation was in line with the federal government’s directive on pandemic preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.

He said that the centre would be fully equipped to respond to health emergencies, adding that trained medical personnel had been mobilised to manage infectious diseases such as Ebola, Lassa fever and other emerging threats.

Mr Yunusa also called on the contractor handling the project to ensure timely completion and adherence to approved standards.

He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to addressing challenges in the health sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the UATH was designated as an infectious disease centre during the Covid-19 pandemic and successfully managed numerous cases.

He added that the ongoing renovation would further enhance the hospital’s capacity to respond effectively to future disease outbreaks and other public health challenges.

(NAN)