In a strategic effort to address competency gaps in data analysis and use of mapping software identified among State Epidemiologists in Nigeria, based on a 2022 assessment of their learning needs, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) IHR Strengthening Project collaborated with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the World Health Organization, and Ehealth Africa to design and implement a Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) training programme.

 From October 30 to November 4, 2023, and November 13 to 18, 2023, the training successfully achieved two key objectives. Firstly, it showcased the tangible results of the support provided by UKHSA (formerly known as Public Health England) in 2019 when it trained three data managers from  NCDC in QGIS for geospatial analysis. This earlier investment had now empowered NCDC staff to co-facilitate QGIS training with UKHSA, Ehealth Africa and WHO. Secondly, the training aimed to transfer geospatial analysis capacity using QGIS to the subnational levels of health administration in Nigeria.

During the training, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, emphasized the significance of acquiring skills in geospatial analysis and map utilization for State Epidemiologists. Dr. Adetifa expressed gratitude to UKHSA for conducting the assessment that led to the training and for promptly addressing the identified needs.

Dr. Oyeladun Okunromade, Head of the Surveillance and Epidemiology Department at the NCDC, urged participants to ensure that the newly acquired skills enhance the quality of epidemiological reports they develop and share with stakeholders.

On the final day, participants applied their learning by creating individual epidemiological reports for their respective states, committing to sustaining monthly dissemination to stakeholders. Dr. Olusola Aruna, the Country Lead of the UKHSA IHR Strengthening Project in Nigeria, commended participants for their active engagement and highlighted the growing partnership between the NCDC and subnational entities.

A notable achievement came to light later, when the Ekiti State Epidemiologist shared her success story. She recounted how she applied the knowledge gained during the training to create a compelling presentation for the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare during his visit to the Ekiti State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre as part of the recently held National Council on Health.

In her words: "When informed about the visit of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare to commission our Public Health Emergency Operation Centre, I saw an opportunity to prepare our inaugural epidemiological bulletin. This, I presented alongside our disease surveillance dashboards."

The UKHSA’s IHR-SP is committed to supporting NCDC’s effort in strengthening the capacity of the various states ministries of health in Nigeria to analyse and utilize epidemiological data through mentorship and periodic refresher trainings that will sustain the gain of this training.

By Jerry Pantuvo