To combat disease outbreaks, Nigeria, the EU, and WHO have launched an N6.7 billion health initiative.
A €4.2 million intervention program was introduced on Monday by the federal government in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with the goal of enhancing Nigeria’s ability to identify and promptly address disease outbreaks in the face of an increase in infectious and noncommunicable disease cases across the country.
The four-year program, called EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria, or EU SPIN, is anticipated to improve disease surveillance systems, increase emergency response capacity at the federal, state, and local government levels, and improve coordination among public health institutions.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, spoke at the program’s launch in Abuja and characterized it as a significant improvement to Nigeria’s healthcare system at a time when the nation is under more strain due to frequent outbreaks and an increase in chronic illnesses.
“This initiative is a welcome development that aims to strengthen our health institutions. It will enhance Nigerians’ quality of life, particularly for our most vulnerable groups,” Salako stated. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to essential health services. By investing in infrastructure and training healthcare professionals, the initiative aims to build a resilient system capable of responding effectively to both current and future health challenges.
We are grateful for the support provided by the World Health Organization and the European Union, which is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are steadfast in our resolve to provide everyone with fair healthcare and prosperity.
The intervention coincides with Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with recurrent outbreaks of meningitis, cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, and Mpox, as well as an increase in cases of diabetes and hypertension.
According to WHO data, non-communicable diseases currently cause 27% of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria alone is responsible for almost 30% of malaria-related deaths worldwide.
In order to enhance decision-making and coordination, digital systems for real-time health data sharing will be implemented, and frontline health workers and public health leaders will receive specialized training in outbreak prevention and response.
The initiative, which aims to train at least 75% of the public health workforce in digital skills, is also anticipated to improve connections between public health institutions, primary healthcare services, and local communities.
According to Gautier Mignon, the European Union’s ambassador to Nigeria, the intervention demonstrates the EU’s dedication to assisting Nigeria’s more robust and technologically advanced health systems.
“The European Union is funding robust, digitally capable public health facilities in Nigeria through EU SPIN. This collaboration demonstrates our mutual dedication to strengthening sustainable systems and ensuring health security,” Mignon said. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes, ultimately fostering a healthier population. By investing in technology and infrastructure, the EU and Nigeria are paving the way for innovative healthcare solutions that can adapt to the challenges of the future.
Dr. Pavel Ursu, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, stated that the program would help save lives by enhancing coordination and bolstering the nation’s ability to respond to medical emergencies.
“The project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier by improving coordination, skills, and digital tools,” Ursu stated.
The partners revealed that by 2028, the program is anticipated to provide stronger public health data systems nationwide, more effective coordination between health institutions, and more defined operational roles.
They stated that national tracking systems and recurring collaborative reviews involving government and development partners would be used to track progress. This initiative aims to foster a culture of proactive health management and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. By leveraging technology and enhancing communication, the program seeks to create a more resilient healthcare infrastructure that can better respond to future challenges.b
