The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it will prioritise its workforce, surveillance and laboratory systems with the support of the Pandemic Fund. This move is aimed at fortifying healthcare infrastructure and enhancing the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies effectively.
The Pandemic Fund is a collaborative effort between governments, international organisations, multilateral development banks, and civil society, which seeks to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capacities in low- and middle-income countries. Nigeria’s application targets investments in early warning systems, laboratory upgrades and workforce capacity, aligning with international targets and emphasising community engagement and equity.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate highlighted this during an interview with Science Nigeria on the sidelines of the National Dialogue on Nigeria’s Pandemic Fund grant application. He said that the One Health approach, addressing interconnected human, animal and environmental health, was central to Nigeria’s strategy.
The Pandemic Fund’s second call for proposals (CfP) is currently underway, with an envelope of US$500 million. Eligible countries, regional entities and implementing entities are invited to submit full proposals for potential projects to be supported by this funding. The online application portal is now open and will close on May 17, 2024.
Nigeria aims to leverage this opportunity to strengthen its ability to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies effectively. The Pandemic Fund’s emphasis on community engagement, civil society involvement and gender equity resonates with Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equity in its healthcare initiatives. As Nigeria prepares to submit its proposals, stakeholders are actively engaging in consultations to ensure alignment with the fund’s objectives and guidelines. Overall, support from the Pandemic Fund presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its capacity to safeguard public health, especially as the country navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and prepares for future health threats.
