The Nigerian government, in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, WaterAid, IFRC, and other stakeholders, is intensifying efforts to combat public health challenges, particularly cholera, hepatitis, and cervical cancer.
In response to a surge in cholera cases during the 2025 rainy season, over 150 frontline health workers from all states and the FCT were trained in early detection, reporting, and treatment, with targeted support for high-risk communities.
WHO provided surveillance systems, rapid response teams, cholera kits, oral rehydration salts, and technical assistance to affected states.
For hepatitis, Nigeria marked World Hepatitis Day 2025 with screenings, vaccinations, and awareness campaigns, launching “Project 365” to eliminate Hepatitis C and halt Hepatitis B transmission by 2030.
This includes integrating hepatitis services into primary healthcare, reducing treatment costs, and combating stigma, with the WHO urging timely newborn vaccinations, expanded testing, and sustainable funding.
In the fight against cervical cancer, Nigeria introduced the HPV vaccine into its national immunisation schedule for girls aged 9–14, aiming to protect them before exposure to the virus responsible for most cases.
Backed by WHO, GAVI, and partners, the initiative trained over 104,000 health workers, countered misinformation, and reached more than 12.26 million girls nationwide.
Survivor-turned-advocate Sarah Abok’s story from Plateau State highlights the personal impact of the vaccination campaign, inspiring parents to adopt preventive measures.
WHO commended Nigeria’s triple elimination strategy for HIV, hepatitis, and STIs, and reaffirmed its support for innovative health programs.
Collectively, these nationwide interventions reflect Nigeria’s commitment to building resilient health systems, preventing diseases, and safeguarding public health in support of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for global health.
The Federal Ministry of Health updated the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Act to further improve the country’s disease surveillance systems, strengthening them both legally and institutionally.
A major expansion of the federal tertiary healthcare infrastructure has also been implemented, with the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, Kaduna State.
This was done to expand healthcare services and also strengthen disease monitoring in the country. The warning strike carried by the Nigerian nurses and midwives was averted as a result of the government’s agreement to their demands.
Another policy is the boost in the health budget regarding healthcare revitalisation.
The budget came with a substantial increase, underscoring renewed investment in the health sector and bolstering health funding to offset the suspension of US aid.
An advocacy and accountability framework for the health of women, children, and adolescents was also launched, aiming to improve accountability, transparency, and coordination among stakeholders to bolster outcomes in these populations.
Over one million meningitis vaccines have been dispatched to Nigeria as part of an emergency response to the meningitis outbreak. After a year-long disruption of anti-leprosy drugs caused by bureaucratic delays and new testing regulations, the drug supply has been restored.
WHO also updated its clinical guidance on antibiotic use in COVID-19 patients to protect against antibiotic resistance and other clinical harms. It also adopted a landmark resolution designating rare diseases as a global health priority.
The resolution calls for integration of rare diseases into national health planning, universal health coverage schemes, and the development of a ten-year global action plan with measurable targets to ensure equitable diagnosis, care, and innovation.
A strengthened global roadmap was endorsed to confront the health impacts of air pollution, which is one of the most pervasive environmental health risks.
This updated roadmap builds on earlier strategies and demonstrates renewed international commitment to environmental health and accountability.
The historic WHO Pandemic Agreement (WHOPA) was adopted to enhance equity and preparedness for future pandemics.
Among its key provisions are data and resource sharing, equitable distribution of vaccines (with a mechanism recommending that the WHO receive 20% of pandemic-related resources and distribute 10% free of charge), and an inclusive “One Health” approach. This agreement marks a pivotal step toward global cooperation in pandemic preparedness.
