Cross River strengthens health security with new public health, animal health bills
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and Cross River State government have embarked on efforts to strengthen legislative framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats, including zoonotic diseases.
This effort through the state Ministries of Health and Justice are in collaboration with a group called Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL).
They have convened a legal drafting workshop to advance the development of the State Public Health Security and Animal Health Bills.
Director of Subnational Support at NCDC, Pharmacist Chibuzo Eneh disclosed this in Calabar, confirming that the drafting process builds on lessons from Nigeria’s broader health security law reform agenda.
He explains that this seeks to align legal instruments with international best practices, ensure clear roles and responsibilities for public health actors, and integrate gender-responsive and inclusive provisions into health governance.
He also spoke on the significance of strengthening health security across states.
“One of the core recommendations in the Joint External Evaluation conducted in Nigeria is the need to ensure that at the subnational level, we have public health security laws that align with the International Health Regulations (2005).
According to Eneh, many state laws have become outdated, according to the assessment conducted by his organisation, NCDC, hence the need for a review.
He maintained that the Cross River State Public Health Security and Animal Health Bills will provide the legal foundation for a coordinated, One Health approach to public health security (bridging human, animal, and environmental health).
He stated that they will be informed by existing gaps identified in national and state-level assessments, including deficiencies in emergency preparedness, surveillance systems, gender equity considerations, and animal health regulation.
“A strong legal framework with clearly defined roles is essential for building a resilient and coordinated system capable of protecting citizens during health emergencies.
Also speaking, the Solicitor General, Cross River State Ministry of Justice, .Barrister Anthony Effiom said, “These Bills will enhance our capacity and ensure that no sector is left behind in the fight against public health threats.”
It is important to note that the NCDC and RTSL have provided technical support to ensure that the draft Bills reflect evidence-based legal standards, clearly delineate roles and responsibilities, and strengthen intersectoral collaboration between the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors.
Affirming this, Barr. Emem Udoh, the Senior Legal and Policy Advisor, at RTSL said, robust public health laws are essential to saving lives.
“These Bills will equip Cross River State to act swiftly, coordinate effectively, and protect its most vulnerable during public health emergencies, while safeguarding economic and social stability.
“RTSL is committed to ensuring these laws are not only well-written, but also actionable, enforceable, and effective.”
He listed that the key priorities of the draft Bills will establish a legal framework for integrated surveillance, early warning, and rapid response to health emergencies.
He mentioned further that the Bill will “Establish a state public health laboratory, Strengthen regulation and monitor animal health to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks and define clear roles for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in emergency preparedness and response, amongst others.
Cross River strengthens health security with new public health, animal health bills
