Ebola Alert: FG Approves N21.2m Response Fund for Each State to Boost Preparedness

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million in outbreak investigation and response funds to each state of the federation as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria's preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

The approval was granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who authorised the disbursement of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation to states across the country.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Ado Bako, the funds will be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The ministry said the intervention forms part of a broader strategy by the Federal Government to strengthen national health security and enhance the country's readiness to detect, prevent and respond rapidly to potential disease outbreaks.

The latest approval comes amid heightened global vigilance over Ebola and other infectious diseases, with Nigerian authorities intensifying preparedness measures despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case within the country.

According to the statement, the funding initiative complements ongoing efforts being coordinated through the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, which is expected to be chaired by the President's Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

The government said the release of the funds would enable state governments to strengthen disease surveillance systems, improve emergency preparedness mechanisms and enhance rapid response capabilities in the event of any public health emergency.

"The approval is intended to ensure that states have timely access to resources required for surveillance, preparedness and effective outbreak response," the ministry stated.

As part of the conditions attached to the intervention, the Health Minister directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.

States were also instructed to comply fully with established financial management procedures, reporting guidelines and accountability requirements governing the utilisation of public health intervention funds.

According to Mr Pate, transparency and accountability remain critical components of the government's public health strategy.

"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 reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to protecting Nigerians through proactive investments in disease prevention, surveillance, emergency preparedness and coordinated response systems.

Pate stressed that sustained investments in health security infrastructure remain essential to safeguarding the country against future outbreaks and other emerging health threats.

The minister added that the government would continue working closely with state authorities, health institutions and relevant stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria's overall public health response architecture and ensure the country remains prepared for any eventuality.