The Federal Government has approved the release of State Outbreak Investigation and Response Funds to boost Nigeria’s preparedness for Ebola Virus Disease and other public health emergencies.

The Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, directed the immediate disbursement of 50 per cent of the allocation to states.

Under the plan, each state will receive about ₦21.2 million to support surveillance, preparedness and rapid response activities.

States have also been directed to retire the funds within six months to ensure accountability and proper use.

The ministry said the intervention is part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health security system, even as no Ebola case has been confirmed in the country.