Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF) to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats across the country, Prime Business Africa reports.
The approval, announced on Saturday, authorises the disbursement of 50 per cent 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).
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The intervention forms part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s public health security architecture and complements ongoing initiatives 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.
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Although Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease, the Federal Government said the funding is intended to ensure states have the resources needed to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness and rapid response systems in the event of a public health emergency.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who approved the release, described the measure as a proactive step aimed at boosting national readiness amid growing concerns over emerging health threats.
As Chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Pate also directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months. He stressed the need for strict compliance with financial management, reporting and accountability requirements governing the use of public funds.
According to the minister, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools for protecting public health and preventing disease outbreaks from escalating into major health emergencies.
“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,” he said.
He added that the approval reflects the government’s commitment to balancing health security objectives with transparency and accountability in public expenditure.
“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,” Pate stated.
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The State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund is a financing mechanism under the NCDC Gateway of the BHCPF designed to support states in strengthening disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness and emergency response systems.
Under the arrangement, beneficiary states are expected to utilise the funds strictly for approved activities and comply fully with reporting and fund-retirement requirements.
The latest approval underscores the Federal Government’s efforts to bolster national health security through proactive preparedness, coordinated response strategies and sustained investment in disease prevention, detection and response capabilities nationwide.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
