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-Advocates Adoption of Collaborative Framework

WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Nigeria to incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its disease surveillance systems to enhance public health response efforts. WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria , Dr Walter Mulombo, highlighted the importance of AI at the opening of the 5th Annual Disease Surveillance Review Meeting organised by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Lagos.

Dr Mulombo emphasised that integrating AI could significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to health emergencies, stating that “AI has the potential to revolutionise global health security by enabling more proactive, data-driven approaches to health threats.”

He added that such technologies could help reduce morbidity, mortality, disability, and the economic disruption caused by disease outbreaks and other health emergencies in the African region. However, he cautioned that challenges related to data privacy, security, and ethical deployment must be addressed.

Additionally, Mulombo advocated for the One Health framework, a collaborative approach that links human, animal, and environmental health to better address health threats. He noted that this approach could help Nigeria re-evaluate its surveillance interventions, as many infectious diseases originate from animal and environmental sources. The One Health strategy has been in place in Nigeria since 2019, promoting a comprehensive, multisectoral approach to health surveillance.

Funding was also identified as a critical challenge for Nigeria’s disease surveillance. Mulombo highlighted that financing gaps are a barrier for many nations striving to meet the 2030 global health targets, with additional funding mechanisms necessary to support countries in responding effectively to health threats.

Drector General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, affirmed the need for robust surveillance at all levels of society, noting that “true health security begins at the grassroots— in towns, villages, and neighborhoods.” He stressed that every preventive measure at the community level strengthens Nigeria’s overall health security.

The meeting, themed “Strengthening Global Health Security Through Enhanced Disease Surveillance,” held from October 28 to 30 and brought together state epidemiologists, frontline workers, and other stakeholders to review surveillance activities and propose solutions to identified challenges.

Dr. Fatima Saleh, NCDC’s Director of Surveillance and Epidemiology, noted that the annual event provides an opportunity to update and improve surveillance activities across Nigeria.