The federal government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to support outbreak preparedness and response activities nationwide. The single sharpest fact in this story: the federal government has released a total of N21.2 million to each state to boost Ebola preparedness nationwide.

This was made known on Saturday in a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and signed by the Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations, Ado Bako. The approval, granted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, authorises the disbursement of 50 per cent of the S-OIRF allocation through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

According to the government, the intervention complements ongoing efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities, including the work of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. The government said Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, but noted that the release of the funds is intended to ensure states have the resources needed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems in the event of any public health emergency.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months. He also instructed states to comply fully with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.

“Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in protecting public health,” Mr Pate said. “While it is important that states have timely access to resources needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities, it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations.”

The federal government’s action followed renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting concerns about the risk of cross-border transmission. Authorities subsequently announced plans to strengthen surveillance at airports and land borders, activate isolation and referral facilities, and improve coordination among health, aviation and security agencies.

The government’s commitment to strengthening health security and accountability is a welcome move, especially in times of heightened public health concerns.

Key Facts:

  • Each state is to receive a total of N21.2 million.
  • The funds are meant to boost Ebola preparedness nationwide.
  • Nigeria currently has no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease.
  • The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, directed states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.
  • The government said it is equally important that public funds are managed responsibly and accounted for in line with established regulations.
  • The government’s action followed renewed Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.