Africa CDC inaugurates West Africa committee to strengthen public health
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has launched the West Africa Regional Technical Advisory Committee (ReTAC).
The role of the ReTAC is to provide technical guidance and operational support for the West Africa Regional Coordinating Centre (WA RCC).
Herilinda Temba, the acting regional director of the West Africa Regional Coordinating Centre (WA RCC) under the Africa CDC, said this in a statement on Friday.
Ms Temba said the inauguration was a significant step towards enhancing regional collaboration and preparedness in combating public health emergencies.
She said the launch of West Africa ReTAC marked another key milestone towards full operationalisation of the RCC in West Africa.
Ms Temba said the initiatives were pivotal to driving the region’s preparedness and resilience against public health threats while fostering collaboration among member states, development partners, and regional health organisations.
“The meeting was attended by representatives from 11 of the 15 West Africa regional Member States, centres of excellence, regional institutions and selected health development partners.
“It marked a significant step towards bolstering public health coordination and response in West Africa,” she said.
On behalf of Africa CDC, she expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for hosting the event.
She highlighted the importance of the meeting, stating that the establishment of ReTAC will serve as a platform for accountability and technical guidance in shaping the operational framework of the West Africa RCC.
According to her, The ReTAC meeting aimed to strengthen regional health coordination and operationalise strategies to address emerging health challenges.
She said four out of five regional coordinating centres across Africa had already established ReTACs, with West Africa becoming the fifth.
“One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the election of The Gambia’s Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Adama Drammeh, as the Chair of the inaugural ReTAC.
“Mr Domingos Veiga Varela from Cape Verde will serve as vice chair.
“It is an honour to lead this committee as we work together to implement a roadmap that will guide our region in addressing public health challenges,” She said.
With the formal establishment of ReTAC in the region, stakeholders expect a more efficient and timely approach to public health threats.
The next steps include operationalising the roadmap and tracking progress on the agreed-upon strategies.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
U.S. hails Dangote Refinery as Nigeria’s petroleum exports surge seven times
The EIA stated that increased production from the refinery transformed Nigeria’s petroleum products market by reducing dependence on imports and boosting domestic supply.
States
10 mental health patients treated in herbal healing homes ready for discharge, says Edo govt
Ms Abdallah said government-approved herbal healing homes provided rehabilitation and related support to persons with mental-health conditions and other vulnerable persons.
States
Maulud celebration in Maiduguri peaceful, say police
Mr Dalori described Maulud an-Nabi as one of the “biggest annual events for the Tijaniyya community.”
States
Tinubu decries fresh Niger abduction, orders immediate rescue of hostages
Mr Tinubu expressed outrage over the incident and directed immediate rescue operation.
Politics
PFN kicks as Gov Bago tells Niger Christians to participate in politics to get appointments
“Christians should not be excluded from political leadership, appointments, or opportunities; just as no other religious community should be excluded,” PFN said.
States
Hoodlums killed two civilians, injured two cops in Ikire: Police
The plice said officers responded to a distress call about the kidnap of one Sunkanmi and the hoodlums upon sighting the operatives opened fire on them.
