The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday, February 15 announced the commencement of ‘Campaign 6232’. This is an activity to raise public awareness for the toll-free number ‘6232’ recently introduced by the agency, for public enquiries through its 24-7 Connect Centre.
The campaign will use different means of communication to raise awareness of Nigerians on how to reach NCDC, with questions relating to infectious disease prevention, detection and control.
Following an increasing need for Nigerians to communicate with the agency as part of the COVID-19 response, NCDC expanded its connect centre capacity in 2020. With support from the National Communications Commission, a short code 6232 has also been introduced.
Over the last one year, NCDC has been leading Nigeria’s public health response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Under the leadership of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the agency is working closely with the federal ministry of health, relevant government institutions, national and international partners to improve its ability to respond to Nigerians in a timely and comfortable way.
Speaking on the campaign, NCDC director general, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, reassured Nigerians of NCDC’s commitment to deliver on the institution’s mandate:
“We are constantly developing and implementing innovative measures to make NCDC accessible to every Nigerian regardless of socio-economic status. We urge members of the public to use the ‘6232’ toll free number responsibly. Please support this campaign by sharing this information with your friends, family and colleagues,” he said.
As of 14th February 2021, over 100 million cases of COVID-19 had been recorded globally, with almost 150,000 confirmed cases and 1,753 deaths reported in Nigeria.
In response to the consistent high number of COVID-19 cases reported across the country, NCDC continues to intensify its communication efforts to keep Nigerians informed on measures to reduce their risk of infection and limit transmission.
NCDC is the Nigeria’s national public health institute, with the mandate to lead the preparedness, detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. The Bill for an Act to establish NCDC was signed into law in November 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The mission for NCDC (2017-2021), according to its official mandate, is “to protect the health of Nigerians through evidence-based prevention, integrated disease surveillance and response activities, using a One Health approach, guided by research and led by a skilled workforce.”
