The NCDC successfully organized a subnational IHR legal assessment training for legal officers in Nigeria, utilizing the training manuals developed by HELC. The training took place from May 9 to May 11, 2022, and aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of legal officers in conducting assessments of the country’s legal framework.
Under the guidance of Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe and the HELC team, the training covered various thematic areas outlined in the training manuals. One important topic was the overview of federal-level legal planning, which encompassed mapping federal laws, assessing their alignment with IHR requirements, addressing gender gaps and promoting gender inclusion in health systems, and using the Model State Public Health Bill, developed by HELC with assistance from RTSL, as a case study for legal reform.
Additionally, Professor Cheluchi provided guidance on the steps and procedures for writing a comprehensive legal assessment report. Participants gained a deep understanding of the fundamental requirements of the IHR, acquired the necessary skills to conduct a thorough legal evaluation, and learned how to compile a comprehensive report summarizing their evaluation findings.
The training equipped legal officials with the knowledge and tools to assess Nigeria’s legal framework, identify gaps, and propose necessary reforms to strengthen public health preparedness and response. By empowering legal officers with these essential skills, the training contributed to building a robust legal system that aligns with international health regulations and promotes effective public health practices.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, highlighting the valuable insights gained and their increased ability to navigate the complexities of the legal evaluation process. The training materials and guidance provided by HELC were instrumental in enabling legal officers to undertake meaningful assessments and contribute to the overall improvement of Nigeria’s health security.