A 3-day training of trainers (ToT) workshop on the safe use of approved antigen-based COVID -19 Rapid diagnostic testing (RDTs) for CDC Implementing Partner in the southeast region held at Oxygen Holiday Resort, Owerri, Imo State from May 25th – 27th, 2022.
The goal of the training was to provide participants with knowledge and skills for the safe and approved use of Ag-based RDTs for COVID – for19 diagnosis as well as build their capacity for the use of SOMAS (Surveillance, Outbreak Response Management, and Analysis System) for COVID 19 Surveillance. SOMAS is an open source software.
A total of 27 persons comprising of Caritas staff from Imo, Abia, Enugu and Delta States, as well the Head Office (Abuja) participated in the training. A total of 11 modules were contained in the training package which was delivered by facilitators from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) led by Dr Biodun Owuniy, NCDD Assistant Director for Laboratory Service and Epidemic Control.
A key knowledge gain from the training was the One Health approach which has been adopted by the NCDC in the prevention, detection, investigation, and management of diseases of public health importance.
Following the conclusion of the training exercise, participants will go back to their various locations to step down the training to their teams.
Report and pictures couresy of Joy Chinwe Onuoha from Owerri
