The Federal Government has launched a €4.2 million public health initiative aimed at improving disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response systems across Nigeria.
The programme, titled EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria, was unveiled in Abuja through a partnership involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the European Union and the World Health Organization.
The four-year initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to detect, report and respond effectively to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the programme as a critical component of the government’s healthcare reform agenda under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to the minister, the initiative is expected to address longstanding gaps in disease surveillance, emergency coordination and public health management across the country.
He explained that the programme would focus on strengthening laboratory systems, improving health data sharing, expanding digital health infrastructure, enhancing collaboration between federal and state health institutions, and training public health personnel nationwide.
Salako noted that the intervention comes at a crucial period as Nigeria continues to confront recurring outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever, alongside other emerging public health threats.
He also raised concerns over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
“Healthcare infrastructure alone cannot guarantee effective service delivery without efficient surveillance systems, reliable data and a coordinated emergency response framework,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more resilient healthcare system capable of delivering quality and accessible services to Nigerians.
The minister further disclosed that the initiative aims to strengthen key public health institutions and provide leadership and digital skills training for up to 75 per cent of the country’s public health workforce.
According to him, the training will improve emergency response coordination and modernise public health management practices nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, Gautier Mignon reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare reform efforts.
Similarly, Pavel Ursu stressed the importance of strong public health institutions in ensuring early disease detection and rapid emergency response.
The initiative will be implemented by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
