By Abasi Ita
Preparations for the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria are gathering pace, following a strategic meeting between the Local Organizing Committee and top health officials in Calabar.
The meeting brought together the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Henry Ayuk, and the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Vivian Mesembe Otu, as part of efforts to ensure a successful hosting of the conference scheduled for 2026.
Led by its Chairman, Bernadine Ekpenyong, the Local Organizing Committee used the meeting to strengthen collaboration with the state government ahead of the event, which is expected to attract epidemiologists, public health experts, policymakers and development partners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking during the meeting, Ayuk commended the society for selecting Cross River as host state, describing the conference as an opportunity to showcase ongoing efforts in disease control, public health practice and primary healthcare delivery.
He assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support, noting that the event would deepen partnerships aimed at improving health outcomes both in the state and nationwide.
Ekpenyong, in her remarks, said the conference, themed Strengthening Epidemiological Resilience in Nigeria Addressing Emerging and Re emerging Health Challenges, would provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on pressing public health issues, innovative research and policy directions.
She appreciated the state government’s readiness to support the conference, stressing that collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency remains critical to its success.
Also speaking, Otu described the conference as timely, noting the need for Nigeria to strengthen its epidemiological capacity in the face of emerging and re emerging diseases, climate related health risks and the imperative of reinforcing primary healthcare systems.
She pledged the agency’s support for the Local Organizing Committee to deliver a successful and impactful conference.
Other members of the committee present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to hosting a high level scientific gathering that will position Cross River State as a hub for public health dialogue, research and innovation in Nigeria.