Nigeria's Joint External Evaluation and National Action Plan for Health Security

Area of Science:

• Global Health Security
• Public Health Preparedness
• Epidemic Response

Background:

• Nigeria's experience with Ebola and domestic outbreaks highlighted the need for improved disease surveillance and response.
• Progress in polio eradication and the 2014 Ebola epidemic spurred the adoption of international health security frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement the World Health Organization's Global Health Security Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS).
• To enhance Nigeria's capacity for disease prevention, detection, and response through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of 19 core public health programs in 2017.
• Developed a National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) in December 2018, involving inter-agency collaboration and international expert review.
• Created a 5-year implementation plan, established a management team, drafted outbreak legislation, and trained professionals.

Main Results:

• Successfully launched a detailed NAPHS, improving Nigeria's framework for health security.
• Strengthened national capacity through strategic international assistance, leadership development, and tailored training programs.
• Established a system for ongoing review and adaptation of the health security plan.

Conclusions:

• Nigeria has made significant strides in strengthening its public health system for disease outbreak preparedness and response.
• Sustained momentum requires annual review and adaptation of the NAPHS, balancing core public health activities.
• Integrating vertical disease control programs into a comprehensive national health security system presents a complex but achievable challenge.