FG Approves N21.2m Ebola Outbreak Response Fund to Strengthen States’ Preparedness

The federal government has approved the release of N21.2 million in outbreak investigation and response funds to each state to strengthen preparedness against Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other public health threats.

NAN reports that Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, approved the disbursement of 50 percent of the state outbreak investigation and response fund (S-OIRF) allocation.

According to a statement issued on Saturday, Ado Bako, assistant director of information and public relations at the ministry, said the funds would be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Bako noted that the intervention forms part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

He added that the approval complemented broader federal government efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities.

According to him, the efforts include the activities of the multi-sectoral presidential task force on Ebola preparedness and other health threats, chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu.

Bako noted the federal government is taking proactive measures to enhance preparedness despite the absence of a confirmed case of the disease.

He said the approval would enable states to access resources required to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response capacities during public health emergencies.

He quoted the minister as directing all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.

He said states must also ensure full compliance with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.

“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,” the minister said.

Pate reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through preparedness, coordination, and investments in disease prevention and response capacities nationwide.

BACKGROUND

The federal government had on Friday inaugurated a presidential task force (PTF) on Ebola virus disease preparedness to keep Nigeria free and avoid the confusion of past outbreaks.

Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila said the federal government is prioritising prevention over reaction.

“Nigeria must not be caught off guard. Right now, there’s no case reported, and that’s good news. All hands have to be on deck to make sure the measures we are taking are preventive and not curative,” Gbajabiamila said.

On June 9, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate release of N10 billion as emergency intervention funding to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.