Ebola: FG releases N21.2m to each state to boost preparedness, outbreak response

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state under the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease and other emerging public health threats.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, approved the disbursement of 50 per cent of the fund allocation to states as part of efforts to reinforce disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response systems across the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, the ministry said the funds would be channelled through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

According to the ministry, the intervention is part of a broader national strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness for Ebola and other potential outbreaks, even though no confirmed case has been recorded in the country.

The statement noted that the funding will help states improve surveillance systems, update emergency preparedness plans, strengthen rapid response mechanisms, and enhance overall resilience to public health emergencies.

Prof. Pate also directed beneficiary states to account for both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months, stressing strict compliance with financial management and accountability guidelines.

“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.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through sustained investment in disease prevention and coordinated emergency response systems.

The development follows the inauguration of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response framework.

It also comes after President Bola Tinubu approved a separate N10 billion emergency allocation to enhance the country’s preparedness against Ebola and other infectious diseases.

Public health experts have described the measures as proactive steps necessary to sustain Nigeria’s disease surveillance capacity and ensure rapid response to any potential outbreak.

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