The N10 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu to tackle Ebola in Nigeria will also support efforts to control other infectious diseases, including Lassa fever, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Jide Idris, has said.
Speaking on Channels Television, Idris explained that the funding was not meant for Ebola alone but was requested to strengthen Nigeria’s response to several endemic diseases.
“No, on the money, it’s good for people to understand why. This money was requested not only for Ebola but to address issues of control of other endemic diseases,” he said.
Idris warned that Nigeria was approaching the Lassa fever season and stressed the need to remain prepared for different viral infections.
“Right now, Lassa fever season is coming. Lassa fever and Ebola are the same class of viruses, just like yellow fever and dengue fever. We have all diseases ongoing in this country,” he stated.
The NCDC chief said health authorities had activated surveillance, disease-control measures, diagnostic testing and screening at Nigeria’s points of entry. These measures are intended to help detect infections early and prevent their spread.
He added that health authorities requested the funding and President Tinubu subsequently approved it to support the country’s disease-control efforts.
Idris also rejected suggestions that health emergencies were being used for political purposes, insisting that public health concerns should not become political weapons.
“I don’t want to use the wrong word again. That is totally false. We in the health sector will not use disease issues as a political weapon,” he said.
When asked whether the Ebola outbreak could lead to the postponement of the forthcoming general election, Idris said the decision was beyond his authority.
The NCDC’s position highlights the broader purpose of the N10 billion health intervention, which is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for multiple infectious diseases rather than focus solely on Ebola.
