Nigeria Launches €4.2M EU Health Program to Boost Public Health

Nigeria has initiated a €4.2 million health program backed by the European Union, designed to enhance the core functions of selected public health institutions across the country over a four-year period. The launch took place in Abuja on a Monday, with Dr. Iziak Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, describing the initiative as a welcome development that aligns with the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The program aims to address Nigeria's ongoing challenges with infectious diseases, including cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever, as well as the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, which account for 27% of deaths in Nigeria. The initiative will strengthen coordination among public health institutions, support real-time data sharing, and improve digital skills among health workers, targeting at least 75% of personnel for training.

European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignon, emphasized the program's commitment to health security and strengthening health systems. The project is expected to improve inter-institutional coordination and public health response across federal, state, and local levels by 2028.