The Renewed Hope Global Town Hall Virtual Conference recently convened a discussion on the growing threat of emerging infectious diseases in an increasingly interconnected world. The session featured Dr. Mohammed Shakir Balogun, Resident Advisor with the African Field Epidemiology Network, who examined the factors driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and highlighted lessons from Nigeria’s successful response to Ebola.
Dr. Balogun explained that emerging infectious diseases include both newly identified pathogens and existing diseases that are expanding into new regions or populations. He noted that globalization, rapid urbanization, climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and weak health systems have increased the risk of disease outbreaks worldwide. More than 75 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, originating in animals before crossing into human populations through activities such as deforestation, environmental disruption, and wildlife trade.
The discussion focused significantly on Ebola Virus Disease, its transmission patterns, clinical progression, and the challenges associated with early detection due to symptoms that often resemble other common illnesses. Reviewing major outbreaks across Africa, Dr. Balogun highlighted Nigeria’s internationally recognised containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Despite the devastating impact of the wider West African epidemic, Nigeria limited transmission to just 20 cases and successfully ended the outbreak within 93 days through rapid emergency response, effective contact tracing, laboratory surveillance, public engagement, infection prevention measures, and strong collaboration with international partners.
According to Dr. Balogun, Nigeria’s success was strengthened by the strategic use of existing public health infrastructure, particularly surveillance systems originally developed for polio eradication. He emphasized that preparedness, skilled personnel, coordinated leadership, and public trust remain critical components of outbreak management. In contrast, later Ebola outbreaks in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo faced additional challenges, including insecurity, conflict, and public mistrust, which complicated response efforts.
The conference also examined global health security frameworks, including the International Health Regulations and the Joint External Evaluation process. Participants noted Nigeria’s significant progress in strengthening health security capacities and improving preparedness for future health emergencies. Dr. Balogun stressed the need for sustained investment in disease surveillance, field epidemiology training, One Health approaches, and readiness for emerging and unknown health threats.
Practical guidance was provided on outbreak prevention and response, including the importance of promptly reporting suspected cases to health authorities, cooperating with contact tracers, maintaining proper hygiene practices, avoiding exposure to infected body fluids, and relying on verified information rather than rumours and misinformation. The discussion further underscored the importance of strengthening border surveillance, improving emergency preparedness planning, and enhancing coordination among health institutions responsible for disease control and response.
Participants also explored Nigeria’s role in vaccine research and clinical trials, with Dr. Balogun calling for renewed investment in local vaccine production capacity. He emphasized that effective risk communication, adequate funding, improved healthcare infrastructure, and better support for health professionals are essential for strengthening national and regional health security.
The conference concluded with a broader reflection on the importance of preparedness in an era of increasing global mobility and emerging health threats. Participants commended the timely and informative nature of the discussion and reaffirmed the need for continued public education, evidence-based policymaking, and collaborative action to safeguard public health. Renewed Hope Global Town Hall Virtual Conference reiterated its commitment to promoting informed dialogue, civic engagement, and constructive solutions that contribute to Nigeria’s development and resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.
The event attracted participants and stakeholders from across Nigeria and the international community, reflecting the growing importance of global cooperation in addressing public health challenges and advancing sustainable development.
