By Rose Oranye
The Anambra State Government has commenced a major overhaul of its public health laws to strengthen disease control, food safety and emergency response.
The move is anchored on the proposed Public Health Security Bill, now under intensive review at a four-day stakeholders meeting holding from October 27 to 30, 2026 at Cardinal Hotel, Awka.
The meeting convenes representatives of government MDAs, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), civil society organisations and development partners to fine-tune the draft law and align it with Anambra’s realities.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the bill would address critical gaps in infectious disease control, food safety, sanitation and nuisance control, adding that updating the obsolete Public Health Law has become urgent to improve coordination during health emergencies.
Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, described the bill as a values issue, saying it aligns with Governor Soludo’s agenda to promote responsible behaviour and protect lives.
Mefor decried the circulation of fake drugs, foods and alcoholic beverages in the state, insisting the new law must provide clear offences and stiff sanctions for those who endanger public safety for profit. He pledged his ministry’s support to push for its speedy passage at the House of Assembly.
The Ministry of Justice, which delivered the opening address, is moderating the sessions alongside RTSL, while NCDC presented a legal assessment to guide deliberations.
The review is expected to end on October 30, with concrete recommendations on surveillance, emergency preparedness and public health protection for Ndi Anambra.
