The Federal Government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to all states of the federation as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.
The approval was announced in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, who disclosed that the intervention forms part of broader federal efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
According to the statement, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, approved the disbursement of 50 percent of the 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 government explained that although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the release of the funds is a proactive measure designed to ensure states have adequate resources to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response mechanisms in the event of any public health emergency.
The intervention also complements the activities 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.
As Chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Prof. Pate further directed all beneficiary states to account for both newly released funds and previous outbreak response allocations within six months.
The minister stressed that access to emergency preparedness funding must be accompanied by strict adherence to financial accountability standards.
“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: “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 statement noted that the approval represents a one-time special dispensation aimed at helping states access critical preparedness funding amid current public health concerns, while reinforcing prudent management of public resources.
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.
Beneficiary states are expected to deploy the funds strictly for approved public health activities and comply fully with all reporting, accountability and retirement requirements.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response capabilities across the country.
