The World Health Organization and the European Union have launched the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria project, a new initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s public health functions and response capacity.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on 11 May 2026, WHO Representative in Nigeria Dr. Pavel Ursu said the EU SPIN project comes at a “pivotal moment” as Nigeria faces infectious disease outbreaks, climate-related risks, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
“Nigeria currently has 4 infectious disease outbreaks with Incident Management Systems activated – Lassa fever, diphtheria, cholera and meningitis – and others including Dengue, Measles, monkeypox, and yellow fever under intense surveillance,” Dr. Ursu said.
He noted progress in polio eradication, with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus 2 cases falling from over 700 in 2021 to 117 in 2025. However, cVDPV2 and cVDPV3 outbreaks persist in the North East and North West, with 27 cVDPV2 cases reported in 2026, including 7 orphan viruses.
According to the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey, only 39% of children aged 12-23 months were fully immunized with basic antigens, while 31% received no vaccinations.
Dr. Ursu said the project will focus on strengthening Essential Public Health Functions at national and subnational levels, including surveillance, laboratories, emergency preparedness, workforce development, and data systems. It will also integrate public health functions into primary healthcare and improve coordination across institutions.
“The EU SPIN project is a timely and strategic intervention. By placing public health at the core of health system and multisectoral efforts, the project is fully aligned with Nigeria’s Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, and the Sector Wide Approach,” he said.
The initiative will also boost Nigeria’s core capacities under the International Health Regulations 2005 and align with the Pandemic Accord adopted by the World Health Assembly.
Nigeria scored 57% in the 2024 International Health Regulation States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Report, surpassing the regional average. The 7:1:7 framework for emergency response has expanded to 13 states.
The launch was attended by Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Senate Committee on Health Chair Sen. Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, EU Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot, and other health sector leaders.
Dr. Ursu said WHO remains committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Health, public health institutes, states, and partners to ensure the project delivers lasting health gains for Nigerians.
