AUC okays Nigeria to host Africa Center for Disease Control

Nigeria has been certified by the Africa Union Commission (AUC) to host the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Regional Collaborating Centre. The head of delegation of the AUC team Olawale Maiyegun said at a press conference in Abuja at the weekend that Nigeria has been able to fulfill the criteria for hosting such […]

Nigeria has been certified by the Africa Union Commission (AUC) to host the Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Regional Collaborating Centre.

The head of delegation of the AUC team Olawale Maiyegun said at a press conference in Abuja at the weekend that Nigeria has been able to fulfill the criteria for hosting such centre.

Maiyegun who is the AUC’s Director of Social Affairs maintained that the Ebola outbreak last year gave the impetus for the establishment of Africa CDC with a regional and coordinating centre in each of the regions.

"Our responsibility is to visit to see whether the infrastructure put up by these countries are up to standard," said Maiyegun, alongside government commitment, available human resources, infrastructure and funding.

"We are satisfied and we believe that Nigeria can take up the responsibility as the Nigeria CDC, West Africa CDC and a Collaborating Center for Africa.

"But we hope that all these commitments [by government] can translate to proper funding."

Maiyegun was however, fast to add that the Africa Union will cover the cost of additional responsibilities being bestowed on Nigeria.

He said the United States of America and China will assist in ensuring the smooth take off of the centres by providing capacity building and infrastructure.