THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EMERGING DISEASE PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In Nigeria, technology has played a crucial role in developing disease prevention and control. With the rise of new illnesses like Ebola, Lassa fever, and COVID-19, technology has become critical in detecting, tracking, and managing the epidemics. Disease surveillance systems are one of the most important ways that technology has been used in Nigeria. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established a real-time countrywide surveillance system to track disease outbreaks. This approach is aided by technology, such as mobile applications, electronic reporting systems, and data analytics tools, which allows for the rapid detection and reaction to outbreaks. Another application of technology has been in contact tracing.During the COVID-19 epidemic, digital contact tracing apps were developed and deployed in Nigeria to assist in identifying and tracking infected persons' possible contacts. These apps monitored movements and conversations using GPS and Bluetooth technology, and alerted users who had been exposed to the infection. The paper highlights the objectives of using technology in the emerging disease prevention and control,factors responsible for emerging or re-emerging diseases, types of emerging diseases, types of technologies in the prevention and control of emerging disease, the role of technology in prevention and control of emerging diseases as well as how technology can be use in the prevention and control of emerging diseases. The paper concluded that technology has the ability to improve healthcare in Nigeria by increasing access to services, enhancing care quality, and allowing for a more coordinated and effective response to health concerns. Based on the conclusion, the paper recommended that governments and other stakeholders should invest greater resources in R&D to speed technological innovation and its application to public health.