BREAKING: N10bn Health Security Fund Not For Ebola Alone, NCDC Clarifies
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has clarified that the N10 billion emergency health intervention fund recently approved by President Bola Tinubu is not solely designated for the country’s Ebola response.
Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, stated that the funding is intended to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to a variety of public health threats. The initiative aims to support disease prevention, early detection, and a rapid response to outbreaks, which include Lassa fever, cholera, meningitis, diphtheria, measles, and Mpox.
In addressing concerns regarding the allocation of the funds, Idris confirmed that the money has been released to the NCDC rather than the Presidential Task Force on Ebola. However, he noted that the N10 billion allocation falls short of addressing the extensive health security needs of the country.
Idris stated that implementing the National Action Plan for Health Security from 2025 to 2029 is expected to require approximately N522 billion over five years. He called for ongoing investments from both federal and state governments, as well as development partners, to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks.
This clarification arrives amid increased public health scrutiny following Nigeria’s efforts to combat the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining preparedness against various infectious diseases.
