THE Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state under the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats across the country.
The approval was granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, who authorised the disbursement of 50 per cent of the fund allocation to states to bolster Nigeria’s disease surveillance, preparedness and emergency response systems.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Saturday by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the funds will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The ministry explained that the intervention forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s readiness to respond to Ebola and other potential disease outbreaks, despite the fact that there is currently no confirmed case of Ebola in the country.
Bako stated that the approval complements the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila.
He noted that the funding would enable states to improve disease surveillance systems, update preparedness plans, strengthen rapid response mechanisms and build resilience against public health emergencies.
As part of the approval, the minister directed all beneficiary states to account for both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months. He also instructed them to comply strictly with established 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,” Pate said.
The minister further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting national health security through strategic investments in preparedness, disease prevention and coordinated emergency response systems.
The latest intervention comes barely a day after the inauguration of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness, which was established to safeguard the country against a possible outbreak and prevent a repeat of the challenges experienced during previous public health emergencies.
Speaking at the inauguration, Gbajabiamila stressed that the government’s approach was centred on prevention rather than crisis management.
“Nigeria must not be caught off guard. Right now, there is no reported case, and that is good news. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the measures we are taking are preventive and not curative,” he said.
The approval also comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu authorised the release of N10 billion in emergency intervention funding to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.
Public health experts have described the government’s proactive measures as critical to sustaining the country’s disease surveillance architecture, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring a swift and coordinated response should any outbreak occur.