By FOLASADE AKPAN

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million in outbreak investigation and response funds, to each state to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health threats.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Mr Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Saturday in Abuja.

According to Bako, Prof. Mohammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, approved the disbursement of 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund (S-OIRF) allocation.

He said the funds would be released through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) gateway of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Bako said the intervention formed part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness against Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

He added that the approval complemented broader Federal Government efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response capacities.

According to the statement, the efforts include the activities of the multi-sectoral Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats.

Bako said that the task force would be chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The spokesperson noted that although Nigeria had no confirmed case of the disease, the government was taking proactive measures to enhance preparedness.

He said the approval would enable states to access resources required to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and rapid response capacities during public health emergencies.

Bala further quoted Pate as directing all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously disbursed outbreak response funds within six months.

He said states must also ensure full compliance with established financial management, reporting and accountability requirements.

“This approval reflects our commitment to both health security and accountability.

“We will continue to support states to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats while ensuring transparency in the use of public resources,” the minister said.

Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding national health security through proactive preparedness, effective coordination and sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response capacities nationwide. (NAN)

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