Ebola, Others: Federal Govt Approves Outbreak Response Funds For States

The federal government has approved the disbursement of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response efforts across the country as part of ongoing measures to enhance the country’s readiness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

The intervention complements broader national preparedness initiatives, 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, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

The approval, granted by the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, authorises the release of 50 per cent of the S-OIRF allocation, amounting to N21.2 million for each state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

In a statement released yesterday by the assistant director, information and public relations at the ministry, Ado Bako, the one-time special dispensation is intended to provide states immediate access to critical preparedness funding amid current public health concerns, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

As chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Prof. Pate also directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months and comply fully with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.

Speaking on the approval, the minister said, “Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools for protecting public health. 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.

“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability. We will continue to support states in strengthening their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources,” he said.

The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF that supports states in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems. Beneficiary states are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and comply fully with all reporting and fund retirement requirements.