Ikechukwu Nnaji 25th International Pathogenic Neisseria Conference 2026

Ikechukwu Nnaji

I am a public health scientist at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), working within the National Reference Laboratory with a focus on infectious disease surveillance and laboratory confirmation of epidemic-prone pathogens. My work has particularly focused on cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in Nigeria, a country within the African meningitis belt with recurrent outbreaks of Neisseria meningitidis. I have contributed to laboratory-based surveillance and outbreak response for CSM and other vaccine-preventable diseases, including deployment as Laboratory Pillar lead of the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) during the 2025 CSM outbreak in Sokoto State. My experience includes specimen processing, pathogen confirmation, and supporting surveillance systems during outbreaks. I have also been involved in national preparedness efforts, including training healthcare workers across meningitis belt states in case management, specimen collection, transportation, and surveillance system strengthening. My interests are in molecular epidemiology and strengthening laboratory surveillance systems to improve detection, characterization, and control of meningococcal disease in sub-Saharan Africa. I am currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Miva Open University, Abuja.