The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state under the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, approved the disbursement of 50 per cent of the fund allocation to states as part of efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response systems.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, said the funds would be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
According to the ministry, the intervention forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s readiness for Ebola and other potential disease outbreaks, despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria.
Bako said the approval complements the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
He explained that the funds would enable states to improve disease surveillance, update preparedness plans, strengthen rapid response systems and enhance resilience against public health emergencies.
Pate directed all beneficiary states to account for both the current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months, while ensuring strict compliance with financial management, reporting and accountability procedures.
“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. We will continue to support states to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, preparedness and coordinated emergency response.
The latest approval follows Friday’s inauguration of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, established to prevent a possible outbreak and strengthen the country’s emergency response capacity.
The intervention also comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu approved the release of N10 billion in emergency funding to boost Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.
Public health experts have described the government’s proactive measures as essential to sustaining the country’s disease surveillance system and ensuring a swift response to any future outbreak.
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