KNCDC Distributes Emergency PPEs to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in 44 LGAs
The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has distributed emergency Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across the 44 local government areas of the state to boost preparedness and rapid response to disease outbreaks.
The distribution took place at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Kano, and was carried out by the Director General of KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response at the grassroots.
Speaking during the exercise, Prof. Abbas said the availability of PPEs is critical to protecting frontline health workers who are directly exposed to infectious diseases during outbreaks.
“These PPEs are central to safeguarding our health workers and ensuring swift and effective emergency response. Instead of keeping them in the state capital, we have taken them closer to hospitals and health facilities in all the 44 LGAs,” he said.
He explained that placing the materials at the local level would save critical time during emergencies, reduce risks to health workers, and ultimately help in saving lives during disease outbreaks.
The KNCDC boss added that the PPEs are specifically meant for Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, who play a key role in detecting, reporting and responding to disease outbreaks, often putting themselves at risk in the process.
“DSNOs are usually the first responders during outbreaks. They are exposed to danger while working to prevent the spread of diseases, and these PPEs are meant to protect them and the communities they serve,” Prof. Abbas added.
He commended local government chairmen for their cooperation and support in strengthening disease surveillance at the grassroots, noting that their involvement is crucial to effective public health response.
Prof. Abbas also praised the media, religious leaders, traditional rulers and community leaders for their contributions to public health awareness, urging them to sustain their partnership with the Kano State Government and KNCDC in promoting disease prevention.
The PPEs distributed include aprons to protect clothing from contamination, facemasks to prevent the spread of infectious droplets, goggles to shield the eyes, hand gloves to prevent direct contact with pathogens, and hand sanitizers to reduce the spread of infections.
The distribution exercise was attended by the State Epidemiologist, senior KNCDC officials, representatives of local governments and members of the media.