The Federal Government has approved the release of outbreak preparedness funds to states nationwide, while directing beneficiaries to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months as part of efforts to strengthen accountability in the management of public health resources.
The approval, announced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Friday, authorises the disbursement of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation, amounting to ₦21.2 million for each state, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The intervention is aimed at enhancing preparedness and response capacities against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats, despite Nigeria having no confirmed case of Ebola.
According to the ministry, the funding forms part of broader federal efforts to bolster national health security, 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 Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who also chairs the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, directed all beneficiary states to comply fully with financial management, reporting and accountability requirements attached to the funds.
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He said the special approval would enable states to access critical resources needed to improve surveillance, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms amid growing public health concerns.
“Preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in 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,” Pate said.
He added that the approval underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening health security while ensuring prudent management of public resources.
“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 stated.
The ministry explained that the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF established to support states in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems.
States benefiting from the intervention are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and adhere to all reporting and retirement obligations.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness measures, effective coordination and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response capacities across the country.
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