The federal government has approved the release of N763.2 million for states in Nigeria as part of a programme put in place to enable states strengthen their preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Each state according to the breakdown of the funds will get N21.2 million for the project, as the funds are expected to also help states take preventive measures against other pubic health threats.
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Ado Bako and made available to journalists over the weekend, the fund was approved by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Ali Pate.
The statement indicates that the minister approved the disbursement of 50% of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation.
He said the funds would be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Mr Bako said the intervention formed 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 the statement, these efforts include the activities of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats.
Mr Bako said that the task force would be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The spokesperson noted that although Nigeria had no confirmed case of the disease, the government was taking proactive measures to enhance preparedness.
He said the approval would enable states to access resources required to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and rapid response capacities during public health emergencies.
Mr Bako further quoted Mr Pate 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.
Mr Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination, and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response capacities nationwide