FG gives money to states for Ebola readiness

The federal government has released funds for State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds (S-OIRF). This is to help states prepare for and respond to outbreaks across the country.

This step is part of Nigeria’s plan to be ready for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other health issues that might arise.

On Saturday, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced this in a statement. Ado Bako, the Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, signed the statement.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, approved the release of 50 percent of the S-OIRF allocation. Each state will receive N21.2 million through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The government said this support will help states strengthen their readiness and response abilities. This includes the work of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, chairs this task force.

No confirmed Ebola case

Currently, Nigeria has no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease. But the funds aim to make sure states can improve their surveillance and response systems for any health emergencies.

The government explained that this approval is a one-time special measure. It allows states to access important funds to prepare for any health threats that may emerge.

The government added that this action shows its commitment to managing public resources wisely and being accountable.

‘States must account for funds’

As the chairman of the BHCPF Ministerial Oversight Committee, Mr Pate told all beneficiary states to account for both current and past outbreak response funds within six months.

He also asked states to follow financial management rules and report properly.

“Preparedness is one of the best ways to protect public health. It is crucial that states have quick access to funds needed for outbreak preparedness and response. It is also important that public money is managed carefully and reported according to the rules,” Mr Pate said.

Mr Pate mentioned that the approval shows the government's commitment to improving health security while ensuring accountability. He said the government will keep supporting states to help them prevent, detect, and respond to health threats in a clear and responsible way.

Background

The federal government took this step after new Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda raised concerns about possible cross-border transmission.

Authorities then said they would improve surveillance at airports and land borders. They also planned to set up isolation and referral facilities and improve teamwork among health, aviation, and security agencies.