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Abia State is set to benefit from a $250 million World Bank-funded health security programme, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and respond to public health emergencies. The State Commissioner for Health disclosed that Abia has met the eligibility requirements to participate in the intervention, which is targeted at improving disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and healthcare system resilience across participating states. The initiative forms part of a broader regional programme covering West and Central Africa.
According to the commissioner, the programme will support critical areas such as laboratory strengthening, early disease detection systems, and rapid response mechanisms to outbreaks. It is also expected to enhance coordination between federal and state health institutions, ensuring quicker and more effective responses to health threats. The funding will be implemented in collaboration with key national agencies, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), with states required to meet specific conditions such as policy alignment and counterpart support to access the funds.
The World Bank facility is designed to address long-standing weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including gaps in infrastructure, logistics, and emergency response capacity. Experts note that the intervention will also promote regional collaboration and improve continuity of essential health services during crises. Similar programmes have emphasized investments in surveillance systems, healthcare workforce training, and infrastructure upgrades to reduce the impact of infectious disease outbreaks. 
