By Omoyeni Ojeifo
As part of measures to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Federal Government has launched the European Union Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EUSPIN) initiative.
The €4.2 million intervention is aimed at reinforcing disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and institutional response mechanisms across the country.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
He said the project would strengthen surveillance and coordination gaps within the health sector.
It would also improve laboratory systems, data exchange and digital health capacity, thereby enhancing collaboration between federal and state institutions, and supporting leadership training for public health personnel nationwide.
Salako noted that the initiative comes at a crucial period as Nigeria continues to contend with recurring public health challenges, including cholera and Lassa fever outbreaks, as well as the growing burden of non communicable diseases.
He stressed the importance of strong surveillance systems and coordinated emergency response mechanisms, noting that health infrastructure alone is not sufficient without reliable data and resilient institutions.
“Health infrastructure alone cannot deliver effective healthcare outcomes without strong surveillance systems, coordinated emergency response mechanisms, reliable data, and resilient public health institutions,” Salako said.a statement by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako obtained by Persecondnews.
The Minister further revealed that the programme will support the strengthening of selected public health institutions and facilitate the training of up to 75 per cent of public health personnel in leadership and digital skills critical for modern health system management.
Gautier Mignon, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, said the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s health sector reforms through stronger institutional partnerships and system wide improvements.
“We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s health sector reforms through stronger public health systems and institutional partnerships,” he said.
Dr. Pavel Ursu, the World Health Organization Representative in Nigeria, also said strengthening national public health institutions is key to improving preparedness, early detection, and rapid response to health emergencies.
“Strengthening public health institutions remains critical to improving preparedness, early detection, and rapid response to health emergencies.”
The four-year initiative is being implemented in partnership with the European Union, the World Health Organization, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to quickly detect, report, and respond to public health threats and disease outbreaks.
Author
Leave a comment