The federal government has taken several decisive steps to strengthen disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness.

Deputy health minister Iziaq Salako disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, at a high-level health security dialogue with the People’s Republic of China on pandemic preparedness and response.

Mr Salakon stressed the importance of early detection, transparent data sharing, and resilient health systems.

“No country, regardless of its strength, can face global health threats alone. Strong surveillance, laboratory networks, and emergency coordination mechanisms are critical to saving lives,” he said.

Also speaking, Nanlop Ogbureke, executive director of Resolve to Save Lives, highlighted Nigeria’s progress under the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulations Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

According to Ms Ogbureke, preparedness scores improved from 39 per cent in 2017 to 54 per cent in 2023, reflecting leadership, learning, and institutional growth.

She said that about 35 per cent of Nigerian states now have context-specific health security action plans, she added.

Pavel Ursu, WHO representative, restated the importance of global cooperation in pandemic response.

Mr Ursu said the Pandemic Accord ensures that when countries share information about dangerous pathogens, the benefits, diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and technologies are shared fairly and rapidly.

He noted the importance of equity, trust, and science-driven strategies.

Nigeria currently relies heavily on imports for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and vaccines, spending about $1 billion annually on medical tourism.

(NAN)