By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state of the federation to boost preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
The funding, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, represents 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund allocation and will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund framework.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems amid concerns over potential public health threats.
The ministry noted that the initiative complements broader national preparedness measures, including the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, the government said proactive measures were necessary to ensure the country remains prepared to prevent, detect and respond effectively to any outbreak.
The funds are expected to support state governments in strengthening surveillance systems, improving response mechanisms and enhancing public health emergency management capabilities.
The minister also directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously released outbreak response funds within six months and adhere strictly to financial accountability and reporting guidelines.
Pate said the approval reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring transparency and prudent management of public resources.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response mechanisms across the country.
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