Nigeria has launched a €4.2 million European Union-funded health initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, as the country continues to grapple with recurring epidemics and rising noncommunicable diseases.
The programme, known as the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), would be implemented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over the next four years.
The initiative was designed to improve coordination among public health institutions, strengthen disease surveillance systems, enhance data sharing, and build digital capacity among health workers nationwide.
According to the partners, the intervention seeks to address persistent gaps in outbreak preparedness and response by strengthening institutional collaboration and equipping frontline workers with the skills and tools needed to manage emergencies more effectively.
Nigeria continues to battle recurrent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis and Mpox, while the burden of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes continues to rise.
WHO estimates that noncommunicable diseases now account for 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria contributes nearly 30 per cent of global malaria deaths.
Under the initiative, public health institutions would receive support to improve real-time data systems, connect public health functions more closely with primary healthcare and communities, and strengthen digital competencies among the workforce, with a target of training 75 per cent of health personnel involved in outbreak response.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said: “This initiative is designed to strengthen our health institutions, and it is truly a welcome development. It will improve the well-being of Nigerians, especially our vulnerable populations.
“We appreciate the European Union and the World Health Organisation for their support, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our commitment to equitable healthcare and prosperity for all remains unwavering.”
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, described the programme as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term health security and institutional resilience.
“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.”
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, also emphasised the importance of improved coordination and technology in managing future outbreaks.
“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu stated.
The partners said the programme was expected to improve inter-agency coordination, clarify institutional responsibilities and strengthen the reliability of public health data across federal, state and local government levels by 2028.
They added that progress would be monitored through national evaluation systems and periodic reviews involving both government agencies and development partners.
