Surveillance and Epidemiology
About Surveillance and Epidemiology
This Directorate collects, collates and analyses data on priority diseases from the 36 states and FCT to detect outbreaks and inform policy. This is done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response strategy. The Team implements the International Health Regulations (IHR), cross-border coordination, verification, and notification, and ensuring the health security of Nigeria. On Tuesday every week, the Team releases the national Weekly Epidemiological Report (https://ncdc.gov.ng/reports/weekly). The Surveillance Directorate also has an event-based surveillance system, detecting and verifying rumours relating to diseases and outbreaks. It is also in the process of digitisation of its reporting system, with the first phase currently active in 16 of the 36 States in Nigeria. Co-ordinated by the Surveillance Directorate, Nigeria completed the voluntary Joint External Evaluation of her International Health Regulations capacities in June 2017, one of about 44 countries globally that have completed this process.
Head of Department
Fatima Saleh
Director, Surveillance and Epidemiology Department Dr Fatima Saleh is a respected Public Health Expert and field epidemiologist with over 18 years of extensive experience in public health. Currently, in her capacity as a director at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), she leads the Surveillance and Epidemiology Department, which also houses the International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Unit. Throughout her career, Dr. Saleh has demonstrated exemplary leadership in various capacities within the NCDC. As Director and Head of Special Projects, she has coordinated crucial programs focused on research training, knowledge management, and workforce development. She has led the Technical Workforce Development and Occupational Health and Safety activities, ensuring that NCDC staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle public health challenges. She has played a pivotal role in Nigeria's response to major public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, cholera outbreaks, and cerebrospinal meningitis. As the lead of several national technical working groups, including the National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Disease Technical Working Group (TWG) and the National Cholera case management pillar lead. Dr Saleh has been at the forefront of outbreak responses, guiding teams in the field and ensuring effective disease management and control. In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Saleh has made significant contributions to public health research. Her work has been published in prestigious journals, where she has explored critical issues such as the epidemiology and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 among healthcare workers, Nigeria's response to Lassa fever and other infectious diseases, and the public health challenges posed by neglected tropical diseases like Noma. Dr Saleh's dedication to public health is matched by her commitment to professional development. She has participated in numerous advanced training programs and workshops, both nationally and internationally, covering topics such as infection prevention and control, public health emergency management, leadership and management in health, and occupational health. Her pursuit of continuous learning ensures that she remains at the cutting edge of public health practice.
