Experts have praised the Federal Government for prioritizing infection prevention and control (CPI) and assigning N200 million to the Nigeria Disease Control Center (NCDC) for CPI in the 2025 health budget, compared to N50 million.
This movement is considered a significant step to strengthen IPC measures and improve the results of medical care in the country. The increase in financing will probably support several initiatives aimed at promoting best practices in infections control, training health workers and improving infrastructure to prevent and control infections.
The National Coordinator of the Epidemic Ready Primary Health Care (ERPHC) project, Dr. Muren Kamateeka, while talking with Nigerian Tribune, said that the current budget allocation for CPI is a step in the right direction and requested a timely release and an effective use of these funds.
The coordinator that was represented by Dr. Aisha Faruk, an epidemiologist and IPC expert with the African field epidemiology network (AFEnet), said the ERPH project, whose objective is to strengthen the CPI at the primary health level, has demonstrated a significant impact through tutoring and monitoring.
She, however, emphasized that sustained financing is essential to institutionalize IPC practices in health centers throughout the country.
“We need the government not only to assign funds for CPI, but also ensure that these funds are released in time and use effectively”
“This will allow us to build a robust IPC system that can respond to emerging health threats and protect the health of Nigerians.”
“The federal government needs to prioritize CPI on its health agenda and ensure that appropriate resources are assigned and used to strengthen IPC practices in health centers.
“This will not only improve health results, but will also contribute to achieve global health safety.”
In addition to government financing, experts are also asking for greater national financing for IPC from other sources, including the private sector and development partners.
This, they say, will help ensure that IPC programs are sustainable and can continue to support the country's health systems.
The importance of CPI cannot be exaggerated, particularly in the context of emerging infectious diseases.
She emphasized that IPC is a critical component of health safety, and investing in IPC programs is essential to protect the health and well -being of Nigerians.