Nigeria has launched a new €4.2 million European Union-backed health programme aimed at improving the country’s ability 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), was officially launched in Abuja on Monday. The four-year programme will be implemented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Funded by the European Union, the programme is valued at about N6.79 billion and is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of selected public health institutions across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Government said the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve healthcare delivery, disease surveillance and emergency response systems nationwide.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the programme as an important intervention for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, especially at a time when the country continues to battle recurring disease outbreaks.
“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.
Nigeria has continued to face outbreaks of infectious diseases including cholera, Lassa fever, diphtheria, meningitis and Mpox. The country is also dealing with a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
According to WHO data shared during the event, noncommunicable diseases account for about 27 per cent of deaths in Nigeria, while malaria contributes nearly 30 per cent of global malaria-related deaths.
Under the EU SPIN programme, public health institutions across federal, state and local levels are expected to benefit from improved coordination systems, real-time data sharing tools and enhanced digital capacity.
The programme will also focus on strengthening the skills of health workers, with a target of training at least 75 per cent of relevant personnel in digital and outbreak response competencies.
Officials said the initiative will also improve the connection between public health institutions, primary healthcare services and local communities to support faster and more effective responses during health emergencies.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, said the programme reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting stronger and more sustainable health systems in Nigeria.
“Through EU SPIN, the European Union is investing in strong, digitally enabled public health institutions in Nigeria,” he said.
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, also said the programme would help improve healthcare coordination and strengthen outbreak preparedness across the country.
“By improving coordination, skills, and digital tools, the project will help protect lives and keep communities healthier,” Ursu stated.
By 2028, the Nigerian Government and its development partners expect the programme to strengthen public health coordination nationwide, improve data reliability and clearly define public health responsibilities across all levels of government.
Progress under the programme will be tracked through national monitoring systems and regular review meetings involving government agencies and development partners.
