Event-based surveillance (EBS) is the organized and rapid capture of information about events that are a potential risk to public health. This information can be rumours and other ad-hoc reports transmitted through formal channels (i.e. established routine reporting systems) and informal channels (i.e. media, health workers and nongovernmental organizations reports).

Epidemic preparedness in West Africa is an urgent and critical concern that demands the attention of both regional and global health stakeholders. This focus stems from the region’s historical vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks and its exposure to emerging health threats. The West African landscape is marked by diversity, encompassing bustling urban centers, remote rural communities, and permeable borders. These unique characteristics present West Africa with distinct challenges in its pursuit of effectively anticipating, responding to, and mitigating the far-reaching impacts of epidemics.

Nigeria’s future success depends on the government’s ability to transform its non-renewable (and often volatile) natural capital into productive wealth by investing more in the health of its people. Blessed with large reserves of natural and human resources, Nigeria has already claimed the status of the largest economy in SubSaharan Africa. However, despite steady growth averaging 6.8 percent between 2005- 2015 the government of Nigeria (GON) has struggled to translate growth into higher public revenues.