Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has expressed serious concerns about the slow pace of progress in public health funding.
Idris made the remarks on Tuesday during a roundtable meeting in Abuja with health security-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) and NCDC officials.
He pointed out that recent budget adjustments remain inadequate to address the urgent needs of communities nationwide. While acknowledging some positive recognition in recent budget proposals, he stressed that significant funding gaps persist.
Idris also emphasized the need for modern communication strategies to complement budget allocations. These strategies, he said, are essential to translate resources into effective awareness campaigns and interventions that reach Nigerians, especially in rural and underserved areas.
He expressed optimism that ongoing legislative reviews of the health budget would better reflect these critical priorities.
Contributing to the discussion, Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan, Nigeria Coordinator for the Prevent Epidemics/Immunization Programmes at the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), highlighted collaborative efforts since 2018.
Alhassan noted partnerships with organizations including Nigeria Health Watch, Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Vaccine Network for Disease Control, and the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust (DRASA). These alliances, he said, have successfully advocated for budget increases that directly bolster public health programmes.
He cited a major achievement: between 2020 and 2023, NCDC funding rose by more than 200 per cent due to sustained advocacy. This included enhanced allocations for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), which had previously received minimal support.
Despite these gains, Alhassan warned that current funding levels remain insufficient, particularly for outbreak preparedness, surveillance, and community-level interventions.
He underscored the power of constructive civil society engagement, stating that public officials face constraints but respond more effectively when backed by evidence-based advocacy.
“For example, the Minister of Health can present budget realities to parliament more effectively when supported by civic advocacy,” he said.
Civil society leaders echoed the urgency of these issues, highlighting the direct consequences of funding shortfalls on communities.
Christopher Ofomhi, Executive Director of Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), pointed to delayed public awareness campaigns, recurring infections among healthcare workers, and persistent gaps in outbreak preparedness as everyday realities affecting Nigerians.
“Outreach and engagement must be consistent and not limited to specific programmes,” Ofomhi said. “This is to ensure public health initiatives reach those they are meant to serve.”
He urged CSOs to continue amplifying NCDC’s voice, mobilizing local networks, and advocating for strategic, equitable resource allocation.
The roundtable underscores a broader call for sustained, evidence-driven advocacy to bridge Nigeria’s public health funding gaps, strengthen epidemic preparedness, and deliver tangible improvements in health security across the country.
