Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approval was granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, through the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF). According to the ministry, the funds will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, said the intervention forms part of measures aimed at boosting Nigeria’s readiness to respond to Ebola and other public health emergencies. He added that the funds would enable states to strengthen surveillance systems, preparedness measures and rapid response capacities.
The ministry noted that the disbursement complements ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, including the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, authorities said proactive measures were necessary in view of outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The government recently inaugurated the presidential task force and approved emergency funding to strengthen national readiness against the disease.
Pate directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months and ensure full compliance with financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.
The minister said the government remains committed to protecting national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, preparedness and emergency response mechanisms across the country.
