FG, EU, WHO unveil €4.2m initiative for disease outbreak response

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The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union and the World Health Organization, on Monday launched a €4.2 million initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

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The programme, known as EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria, was unveiled in Abuja at a gathering of health experts, senior government officials, and development partners.

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The four-year initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is valued at approximately N6.7 billion.

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The programme is expected to strengthen the core functions of selected public health institutions to improve early detection of outbreaks, enhance information sharing, and reduce the impact of poor health outcomes across the country.

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Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the initiative as a major intervention for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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“This initiative is designed to strengthen our health institutions, and it is a welcome development. It will improve the well-being of Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations,” Salako said.

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“We appreciate the European Union and the World Health Organization for their support, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our commitment to equitable healthcare and prosperity for all remains unwavering.”

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Nigeria continues to grapple with recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases, including cholera, Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and Mpox, alongside a rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

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According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases account for about 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while the country contributes nearly 30 per cent of global malaria deaths.

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Health experts say these pressures have exposed gaps in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, data management, and coordination among public health institutions.

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The EU SPIN initiative aims to address these challenges by improving collaboration among health agencies, strengthening workforce capacity, and enhancing digital systems for real-time data sharing.

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The programme will also support the integration of public health services into primary healthcare and communities, while building digital competencies among health workers, targeting at least 75 per cent of staff for training.

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Officials said frontline public health workers across federal, state, and local levels would benefit from improved coordination, better tools, and enhanced technical skills.

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The intervention is also expected to improve health outcomes for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

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European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health security system.

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“Through EU SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria,” Mignon said.

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“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to health security and sustainable systems strengthening.”

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Also speaking, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the initiative would improve institutional efficiency and help save lives through better preparedness and response systems.

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“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu said.

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By 2028, stakeholders expect the programme to enhance coordination among public health institutions, clarify operational roles, and strengthen data systems across Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government levels.

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