€4.2m EU–WHO Boost to Fortify Nigeria’s Outbreak Defences

"The initiative, known as the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), will be implemented by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over the next four years. 

.... "Funded by the European Union, the programme is designed to improve early detection of outbreaks, enhance real-time data sharing, and reduce the impact of health emergencies across the country."

Nigeria has taken a significant step to strengthen its capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks with the launch of a €4.2 million European Union-backed health programme targeting public health institutions nationwide.

The initiative, known as the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), will be implemented by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare over the next four years. Funded by the European Union, the programme is designed to improve early detection of outbreaks, enhance real-time data sharing, and reduce the impact of health emergencies across the country.

Launched in Abuja on Monday, the programme comes as Nigeria grapples with a dual burden of infectious disease outbreaks and rising noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. According to WHO data, noncommunicable diseases now account for 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria alone contributes about 30 per cent of global malaria fatalities. Recurring outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis, and Mpox continue to strain the health system.

EU SPIN aims to address longstanding gaps in outbreak response by strengthening coordination among public health institutions, clarifying roles, and improving workforce capacity. The programme will train leaders and frontline health workers, expand digital health systems for real-time decision-making, and link public health functions more closely with primary healthcare and communities. A key target is to equip at least 75 per cent of the public health workforce with essential digital skills.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the initiative as a major boost to 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. We appreciate the European Union and the World Health Organization for their support, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda. Our commitment to equitable healthcare and prosperity for all remains unwavering,” he said.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the programme underscores the bloc’s commitment to strengthening health security in Nigeria through digital innovation and institutional support.

“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,” he said.

Also speaking, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, noted that improved coordination and digital tools would play a critical role in safeguarding public health.

“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu said.

Health officials say the programme will deliver immediate benefits to public health workers through improved tools, clearer coordination, and enhanced technical capacity. In the long term, it is expected to lead to better health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

By 2028, EU SPIN is expected to significantly improve coordination across federal, state, and local health systems, with stronger data systems and clearer institutional roles. Progress will be monitored through national evaluation frameworks with periodic reviews involving government and development partners.

The programme represents a critical investment in Nigeria’s preparedness for future health emergencies, as authorities seek to build a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.