Sodiq Ojuroungbe The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has unveiled its Integrated Disease Reference Laboratory in Lagos dedicated to combating malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mycotic Infections, and other diseases. The initiative, funded through collaborative efforts with international partners including the United States and Taiwanese governments, marked a significant milestone in the country’s public health strategy. The laboratory is also meant to enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment strategies across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the Central Public Health Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos on Friday, the Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said the facility is poised to revolutionise disease surveillance and response efforts, provide early and accurate diagnoses that are pivotal for effective patient care and outbreak management. While stressing the need for advanced diagnostic services amidst Nigeria’s diverse and challenging health landscape, he explained that the laboratory will serve as a national reference centre, ensuring standardised testing protocols and offering confirmatory testing services. The NCDC boss lamented that malaria, mycotic infections, and NTDs have imposed a significant burden on Nigerian communities, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable and hindering development.
He, however, said the Integrated Disease Reference Laboratory will be equipped with cutting-edge testing platforms to enable the delivery of fa.