FG, EU, WHO Launch €4.2m Disease Outbreak Response Programme

The federal government, in partnership with the European Union and the World Health Organization, on Monday launched a €4.2 million initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.

The programme, tagged: “EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU-SPIN), ” was unveiled in Abuja at a gathering of health experts, senior government officials, and development partners.

The four-year initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the WHO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is valued at about N6.7 billion.

It is designed to strengthen the core functions of selected public health institutions, improve early detection of outbreaks, enhance information sharing, and reduce the impact of poor health outcomes across the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the initiative as a critical intervention for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“This initiative is designed to strengthen our health institutions, and it is a welcome development. It will improve the well-being of Nigerians, especially vulnerable populations.

“We appreciate the European Union and the World Health Organization for their support, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our commitment to equitable healthcare and prosperity for all remains unwavering,” he added.

Nigeria continues to grapple with recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases, including cholera, Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and Mpox, alongside a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

According to the WHO, non-communicable diseases account for about 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while the country contributes nearly 30 per cent of global malaria-related fatalities.

Health experts say these challenges have exposed gaps in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, data management, and coordination among public health institutions.

The EU-SPIN initiative seeks to address these issues by improving collaboration among health agencies, strengthening workforce capacity, and enhancing digital systems for real-time data sharing.

The programme will also support the integration of public health services into primary healthcare and communities, while building digital competencies among health workers, with at least 75 per cent of staff targeted for training.

Officials said frontline health workers across federal, state, and local government levels would benefit from improved coordination, better tools, and enhanced technical skills.

The intervention is also expected to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

European Union ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the initiative reflects the bloc’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health security architecture.

“Through EU-SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to health security and sustainable systems strengthening,” he said.

Also speaking, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, noted that the initiative would improve institutional efficiency and help save lives through better preparedness and response systems.

“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu said.

By 2028, stakeholders expect the programme to significantly enhance coordination among public health institutions, clarify operational roles, and strengthen data systems across Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government levels.