Nigeria Strengthens Commitment to Pandemic Preparedness

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR) during the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered Nigeria's national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Salako emphasized that effective pandemic preparedness relies on robust public health systems capable of preventing, detecting, and controlling infectious threats. He noted Nigeria's progress in enhancing its legal frameworks, digital surveillance, and multi-hazard preparedness, with the public health laboratory network now covering all 36 states.

The Joint External Evaluation score improved from 39% in 2017 to 54% in 2023. Salako outlined five national priorities for pandemic preparedness, including strengthening governance, placing prevention at the center, and advancing equitable access.

The US$250 million World Bank Health Security Programme is also supporting health security capacities at federal and state levels.