The Federal Government, in collaboration with the European Union and the World Health Organization, on Monday unveiled a €4.2 million initiative aimed at boosting Nigeria’s ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.
The initiative, named EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria, was officially launched in Abuja at an event attended by health experts, senior government officials, and development partners.
The four-year project, financed by the European Union and implemented by the World Health Organization in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is valued at about N6.7 billion.
It is designed to strengthen the key functions of selected public health institutions, improve early outbreak detection, enhance information sharing, and reduce the impact of poor health outcomes across the country.
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.
“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.
“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.”
Nigeria continues to face recurring outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and Mpox, in addition to a growing burden of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
The World Health Organization notes that 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.
Health professionals say these ongoing challenges have revealed weaknesses in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, data management, and coordination among health agencies.
The EU SPIN programme is expected to address these issues by improving cooperation among health institutions, strengthening workforce capacity, and enhancing digital systems for real-time data exchange.
It will also support the integration of public health services into primary healthcare and community systems, while training at least 75 per cent of health workers in digital skills.
Officials added that frontline health workers across federal, state, and local levels will benefit from improved coordination, better tools, and stronger technical capacity.
The initiative is also expected to improve health outcomes for vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the programme reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health security system.
“Through EU SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria,” Mignon said.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to health security and sustainable systems strengthening.”
Also speaking, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the initiative would boost efficiency and improve preparedness and response systems.
“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu said.
By 2028, stakeholders expect the programme to enhance coordination among public health institutions, define clearer operational roles, and strengthen data systems across federal, state, and local government levels in Nigeria.