Posted on: Tue 03-11-2026

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed claims that the federal government's 10 billion health security fund was created solely to prepare for a potential Ebola outbreak, stressing that the allocation is designed to strengthen the country's overall public health emergency response system.

Health authorities explained that the fund is intended to support preparedness against a broad range of infectious disease threats, including outbreaks such as cholera, Lassa fever, yellow fever, mpox, and other public health emergencies that could pose risks to Nigerians.

According to the agency, investments from the fund will focus on improving disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, emergency response mechanisms, workforce training, and other critical components of Nigeria's health security infrastructure. Officials noted that these measures are aimed at ensuring the country can quickly detect and respond to any disease outbreak, regardless of its source.

The clarification comes amid public concern following reports of Ebola cases in parts of Africa and speculation that the funding was specifically linked to Ebola preparedness efforts. NCDC emphasised that while Ebola remains one of several diseases being monitored, the health security fund is part of a wider strategy to build a stronger and more resilient health system capable of addressing multiple threats.

Public health experts say a comprehensive preparedness approach is essential, as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge health systems across the continent. Strengthening overall readiness, they argue, provides greater protection than focusing resources on a single disease.

The agency urged the public to rely on verified information and assured Nigerians that surveillance and preparedness activities remain ongoing to safeguard public health nationwide.

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