iBy Usman Yahaya Ismail
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Federal Government, launched the EU Support to Public Health Institutes in Nigeria (EU SPIN) project on Monday.
This initiative is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s public health system and bolster its emergency response capacity.
Speaking at the launch held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu described the initiative as a strategic investment to reinforce the nation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.
He noted that the project arrives at a critical juncture as Nigeria continues to face multiple challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, climate-related health risks, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Ursu disclosed that Nigeria is currently managing four active infectious disease outbreaks with activated Incident Management Systems, specifically Lassa fever, diphtheria, cholera, and meningitis.
Additionally, diseases such as dengue fever, measles, mpox, and yellow fever remains under intensive surveillance.
Regarding polio, he noted that while progress has been made, outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus types 2 and 3 persist in parts of the North-East and North-West regions. Nigeria recorded over 700 cases in 2021, which declined to 117 cases in 2025; however, 27 cases have already been reported in early 2026.
The WHO Representative further revealed that Nigeria achieved a 57% score in the International Health Regulations State Party Self-Assessment Annual Report, surpassing the African regional average.
He added that the 7-1-7 emergency response framework has now expanded to 13 states across the federation.
On the issue of immunization, Dr. Ursu cited findings from the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed that only 39% of children aged 12 to 23 months were fully immunized with basic vaccines, while 31% had received no vaccinations at all.
He stressed that addressing these gaps requires stronger and better-coordinated Essential Public Health Functions across all sectors and levels of government.
The EU SPIN project aims to strengthen national and subnational public health institutions through improved surveillance systems, emergency preparedness, workforce development, digital health integration, and data-driven decision-making.
Dr. Ursu explained that the project aligns with Nigeria’s Health Sector Strategic Blueprint and the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. It also supports the implementation of International Health Regulations and the recently adopted Pandemic Accord.
Dr. Ursu reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in building a resilient health system and commended the European Union, the Federal Government, and all development partners for their sustained investment in national health security.
The launch was attended by several prominent stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo; the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Kachollom Shangti Daju; the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot; the Founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki; and the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya.