FG Launches €4.2m Initiative To Strengthen Disease Surveillance
The Federal Government don launch new €4.2 million initiative to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and public health response systems across Nigeria.
The programme, known as EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria, was launched in Abuja in partnership with the European Union and World Health Organization.
The four-year initiative go help improve Nigeria capacity to detect, report and respond quickly to disease outbreaks and other public health threats.
FG Says Initiative Align With Renewed Hope Agenda
Speaking during the launch, Iziaq Adekunle Salako described the programme as important intervention under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the initiative go help close existing gaps in disease surveillance and coordination across the health sector.
He explained say the project go focus on:
- strengthening laboratory systems
- improving data sharing
- boosting digital health capacity
- improving collaboration between federal and state institutions
- training public health workers nationwide
FG Targets Better Response To Disease Outbreaks
Salako noted say the initiative comes at critical time as Nigeria continues to battle disease outbreaks like:
- cholera
- Lassa fever
- other public health emergencies
He added say non-communicable diseases also remain growing concern.
“Health infrastructure alone no fit deliver effective healthcare without strong surveillance systems, reliable data and coordinated emergency response,” the minister said.
He reaffirmed government commitment to building resilient healthcare system wey go provide quality healthcare for Nigerians.
75% Public Health Workers To Receive Training
According to the minister, the initiative aims to strengthen major public health institutions and train up to 75 per cent of public health personnel in leadership and digital skills.
The training go improve modern public health management and emergency response across the country.
EU, WHO Reaffirm Support For Nigeria
Also speaking at the event, Gautier Mignon reaffirmed the European Union commitment to supporting Nigeria health sector reforms.
Similarly, Pavel Ursu stressed the importance of strong public health institutions for early disease detection and quick emergency response.
The initiative go be implemented by WHO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
