Nigeria has launched a €4.2 million public health programme supported by the European Union and implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen the country’s ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.
The initiative, known as the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), will run for four years in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The programme is designed to improve the performance of selected public health institutions through stronger coordination, faster information sharing, and enhanced workforce capacity.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the programme as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“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,” Salako said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader health reform agenda.
Nigeria continues to battle recurring infectious disease outbreaks alongside increasing cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
According to the WHO, non-communicable diseases now account for about 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria contributes nearly 30 per cent of global malaria deaths.
The country has also recorded repeated outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis, and Mpox in recent years.
Officials said the EU SPIN programme would address systemic weaknesses affecting outbreak response by improving collaboration among public health institutions and clarifying responsibilities across federal, state, and local levels.
The initiative will also strengthen real-time data systems to support quicker and more effective decision-making during health emergencies.
A major component of the programme is workforce development, with plans to train up to 75 per cent of public health personnel in leadership, prevention and response strategies, as well as digital skills.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the programme reflects a shared commitment to building resilient health systems in Nigeria.
“Through EU SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria. This partnership underscores our commitment to health security and sustainable systems strengthening,” he said.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, also stressed the importance of improved coordination and digital tools in protecting lives during health emergencies.
“By improving coordination, skills and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu stated.
Officials added that the programme would strengthen links between public health systems and primary healthcare services to ensure communities receive faster and more effective responses to health threats.
By 2028, the initiative is expected to improve inter-agency coordination, clarify institutional responsibilities, and provide more reliable public health data nationwide through continuous monitoring and periodic reviews involving government and development partners.
