The Africa Health Budget Network has called on the federal government to urgently release the N200 million allocated for Infection Prevention and Control in the 2025 national budget.

The organisation warned that delays could jeopardise health outcomes and weaken Nigeria’s preparedness against disease outbreaks.

AHBN founder Aminu Magashi Garba made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking with journalists.

The IPC is a set of health measures designed to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings and the community.

It includes hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, sterilisation, proper waste disposal and maintaining clean environments.

IPC protects patients, health workers, and the public, reduces healthcare-associated infections, and strengthens health security, especially critical in outbreak situations like COVID-19 or Ebola.

Mr Magashi commended the health ministry and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for including the crucial IPC funding in the approved budget under the code ERGP25217466.

He said that while allocation was commendable, timely disbursement is key to achieving meaningful impact.

“The N200 million allocated to IPC is not just a budget line. It is a life-saving investment.

“Releasing these funds will enable the government to provide essential IPC supplies such as clean water, electricity, liquid soaps, sterilising machines, cleaning agents, hand washing basins and PPEs in health facilities across Nigeria,” he said.

He said health workers and patients in rural and under-resourced areas would be the biggest beneficiaries if the funds were released and used promptly.

He cautioned that failure to release the funds could undermine progress made in infection prevention efforts and limit Nigeria’s ability to respond to public health threats.

He also said quick and transparent fund use could position Nigeria to receive greater international support.

(NAN)