NCDC Explains How Nigeria’s ₦10bn Ebola Fund Will Cover Lassa Fever and Other Outbreaks
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the ₦10 billion fund approved for Ebola preparedness will also support the response to Lassa fever and other public health threats. NCDC Director-General Jide Idris said the funding was approved in June, before Nigeria confirmed its first imported Ebola case on October 20. He said health authorities are still monitoring 54 contacts, although there are currently no active confirmed cases after the index patient was evacuated for treatment. The fund is expected to cover protective equipment, laboratory supplies, surveillance, contact tracing, transport, fuel and repairs to treatment and isolation centres. The NCDC said the measures will also help Nigeria prepare for the Lassa fever season, which often peaks between November and April. However, the government has not stated how much of the ₦10 billion has been released or spent so far.
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