NCDC Calls for N104bn Annually for Health Security Needs

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced that Nigeria needs an average of N104.4 billion annually to implement its National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2.0). This figure is part of the estimated N522 billion required for the five-year health security plan from 2025 to 2029.

Dr Jide Idris, the Director-General of NCDC, explained that the recent N10 billion emergency intervention funding from the Federal Government is only about two percent of the annual cost needed for NAPHS 2.0. He emphasized that this allocation is insufficient for the country's health security needs.

The NCDC aims to enhance Nigeria's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, including diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever. Idris highlighted the necessity for sustained investment from federal and state governments as well as development partners to address funding gaps, which have hindered previous health security initiatives.