The 2nd Annual APIN Symposium was a success, and we are proud to have convened such an impactful meeting that brought together some of the finest minds in public health, Global Health Security, data management and health informatics to candidly review Nigeria’s efforts so far to strengthen health security and put effective emergency preparedness and response protocols in place. The Symposium was packed full of amazing insights, information, presentations and shared learnings.

We are thankful to have had key stakeholders from the national and sub-national levels, and supported health facilities, Civil Society Organizations, fellow Implementing Partner Organizations and members of the press with us!

What an honour it was to listen to Dr Chike Ihekweazu as he delivered his keynote address today!

Sharing from his experience leading the national responses to the Ebolavirus outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic, he underscored the importance of sustaining the gains made from past emergency responses, and not abandoning them once the outbreak was contained.

If we are to achieve true health security as a country, we must build on past achievements and progress, rather than starting from scratch every time the health system is faced with a challenge.

We are deeply grateful to our panelists and presenters:

– Dr Nse Akpan (Head, Port Health Services Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria),

– Dr. Fatima Saleh (Director, Surveillance & Epidemiology, Nigeria Center for Disease Control)

– Dr. Akinbowale Saheed, representing Dr. Marcellina Tomi Coker, the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Ogun State

– Dr Olaposi Olatoregun (Deputy Project DirectorPhis3 Project),

– Dr. MUHAMMAD MUHAMMAD SALEH (U.S. CDC Nigeria, Global Health Protection Division),

– Mr. Martin Osumba (Health Informatics Systems Business Development Specialist RTI International), and to our moderators, Dr. Farah Husain (CDC Nigeria Division of Global Health Protection) and Mr. McPaul Okoye (Laboratory Services Branch Chief, CDC Nigeria).

Thank you for sharing your unique perspectives on the challenges, opportunities and innovative strategies for strengthening global health security in Nigeria.

As summarized so eloquently by our Deputy CEO (Programs), Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, strengthening health security is a team effort. We all have a role to play; and finally, the best time to prepare for health security is NOW.

See more pictures below: