The Nigerian Government has launched a new €4.2 million European Union-supported programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks across all levels of the healthcare system.
The initiative, known as the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), will be implemented over a four-year period by the World Health Organisation in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Funded by the European Union, the programme is valued at €4.2 million, equivalent to about N6.79 billion, and is designed to strengthen the core functions of selected public health institutions across the country.
Speaking during the launch in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the initiative as a welcome development that aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” he said.
Salako appreciated the support of the European Union and WHO, reaffirming the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare and improved health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Nigeria continues to battle recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases including cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis and Mpox, while also facing a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
According to WHO, noncommunicable diseases now account for 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria contributes about 30 per cent of global malaria deaths.
To address gaps affecting outbreak response, the EU SPIN programme will strengthen coordination among public health institutions, support real-time data sharing, and improve digital skills among the health workforce, targeting at least 75 per cent trained personnel.
The programme will also link public health interventions more closely with primary healthcare services and local communities to improve preparedness and response efforts nationwide.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the initiative reflects the shared commitment of both partners to health security and sustainable health systems strengthening.
“Through EU SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, noted that the project would help save lives through improved coordination, stronger skills and enhanced digital tools.
“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu stated.
By 2028, the programme is expected to improve inter-institutional coordination, clarify public health responsibilities across federal, state and local levels, and strengthen the reliability of public health data nationwide.
Progress under the initiative will be monitored through national tracking systems and regular review meetings involving government and development partners.
