Nigeria Health Systems Strengthening

Nigeria Field Epidemiology Laboratory Training Program

The Nigeria Field Epidemiology Laboratory Training Program (N-FELTP) is strengthening the public health workforce in Nigeria. With support from PEPFAR, N-FELTP trains field public health laboratory, epidemiology, and veterinary epidemiology residents to work in leadership and technical positions in the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in addition to leadership and technical positions at the state level.

This two-year program helps improve public health systems within the country by increasing knowledge and skills in field epidemiology and laboratory science and building a cadre of skilled and well-trained health professionals in Nigeria. N-FELTP supports the U.S. Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) goal for increasing capacity for human resources for health. Since its inception in 2008, N-FELTP has assisted in the detection, investigation and response to more than 70 disease outbreaks including lead poisoning in Zamfara State, multi-state outbreaks of Lassa fever and cholera, and supports polio eradication efforts.

Visit the Nigeria Field Epidemiology Laboratory Training Program Web site or read this fact sheet on CDC’s Division of Public Health Systems and Workforce Development Activities in Nigeria for more information about this program.

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control

In 2010, CDC helped establish the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to support and sustain public health activities in Nigeria. The NCDC is housed under the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH). Like U.S. CDC, NCDC coordinates health responses and intervention activities to prevent and control emergencies and outbreaks. Professor Abdulsalami Nasidi , MD, PhD, OON, is the Director of NCDC.

Visit the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health Web site for more information about public health activities.