C' River Ramps Up Preparations for EPiSON 2026 Conference
By Ekanem ASUQUO
Preparations for the 2026 Annual Scientific Conference of the Epidemiological Society of Nigeria have received a boost following a high level engagement between the Local Organizing Committee and key health authorities in Calabar.
The meeting involved 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 coordinated efforts to ensure a seamless hosting of the conference slated for 2026.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Bernadine Ekpenyong, said the engagement was aimed at consolidating partnership with the state government ahead of the conference, which is expected to draw epidemiologists, researchers, policymakers and development partners from within and outside Nigeria.
Ayuk, while receiving the committee, applauded the choice of Cross River as host and described the conference as a strategic platform to highlight the state’s strides in disease control, public health practice and primary healthcare delivery.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the event, noting that it would further strengthen collaborations geared towards improving health outcomes across the country.
Ekpenyong said the conference, themed Strengthening Epidemiological Resilience in Nigeria Addressing Emerging and Re emerging Health Challenges, would provide an avenue for critical discussions on evolving health threats, research innovations and policy responses.
She expressed appreciation for the state government’s support and underscored the importance of collaboration with relevant health institutions to ensure a successful outing.
In her remarks, Otu noted that the conference comes at a crucial time when Nigeria must enhance its epidemiological preparedness in response to emerging and re emerging diseases, climate related health concerns and the need to reinforce primary healthcare systems.
She assured the committee of the agency’s readiness to partner in delivering a successful and impactful conference.
Members of the Local Organizing Committee also reaffirmed their resolve to host a conference that will strengthen Cross River State’s standing as a centre for public health research, dialogue and innovation.
