FG, EU, WHO Launch €4.2m Health Programme in Nigeria

The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), has launched a €4.2 million programme to strengthen Nigeria’s public health institutions and improve disease outbreak preparedness.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja on Monday, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said the initiative, known as EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN), would run for four years and be implemented by WHO in collaboration with the ministry.

Salako described the programme as a major boost to Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. He added that it aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for healthcare reform.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignon, said the project demonstrated the EU’s commitment to building stronger and digitally enabled public health systems in Nigeria.

WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the initiative would improve coordination, technical capacity and digital tools needed for effective disease outbreak response and stronger community healthcare services.

Stakeholders said the programme would benefit women, children, internally displaced persons, the elderly and persons living with disabilities.

By 2028, the initiative is expected to strengthen coordination among health institutions, improve public health data systems and enhance emergency response nationwide.

Nigeria continues to battle outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, Lassa fever, meningitis and Mpox, alongside rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.