Abuja, 4 December 2023 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union will embark on a groundbreaking pandemic modeling project in Nigeria as part of the established Basket Fund of the “EU Support to the United Nations ‘One UN Response Plan to COVID-19 in Nigeria’” that was launched on 6 April 2020. The COVID-19 Basket Fund for Nigeria consists of multi-sectoral interventions to support rapid implementation of the UN response plan and is linked to the wider UN COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP1),
The pandemic modeling project aims to enhance national capacity to predict the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Ebola, by ultimately reducing the economic, social, and developmental impact of public health emergencies in the country.

Funded by the European Union, this pandemic modeling project will bring together experts in monitoring and evaluation, data management, surveillance and epidemiology, research, and statistics, from Nigeria's two leading health institutions - the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The project seeks to empower these stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to bolster disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.

The project which is in collaboration with the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust, renowned for developing health champions capable of identifying and preventing infectious diseases, has been assigned the vital task of providing capacity-building support in pandemic modeling to the NCDC and NIMR.

"The timeliness of this project cannot be overstated. As we continue to navigate the complex challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we invest in building and enhancing our national capacity for pandemic modeling," stated Mr. Mohamed Yahya, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria Office. He further added, “By implementing this project, we will strengthen the disease surveillance systems in Nigeria and enhance the country's ability to effectively respond to health crises and further equip local experts with advanced modeling techniques that will minimize the impact of infectious diseases on Nigeria's economic and social development.”

Understanding the spread of infectious diseases is critical in formulating effective strategies to prevent and contain outbreaks. By leveraging data-driven approaches and advanced modeling techniques, experts from NIMR and NCDC will be better equipped to analyze trends, predict the trajectory of outbreaks, and make evidence-based decisions in a timely manner.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Samuela Isopi, noted that the partnership among UNDP, DRASA, NIMR, and NCDC signifies a substantial stride towards advancing Nigeria's national and economic development agenda. She said: "Through enhanced surveillance, modeling, and forecasting capabilities for pandemic preparedness, Nigeria is poised to fortify the safeguarding of its citizens' health and welfare, alleviate the strain on its healthcare infrastructure, and establish a robust cornerstone for sustainable economic and social progress. The European Union's funding underscores its commitment to strengthening Nigeria's capacity for pandemic preparedness and its dedication to supporting initiatives that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the Nigerian people."

The collaboration among the UNDP, DRASA, NIMR, and NCDC represents a significant step forward for Nigeria in the arena of national and economic development. By improving surveillance, modeling, and forecasting capacities for pandemic preparedness, Nigeria can better protect the health and well-being of its citizens, reduce the burden on its healthcare system, and lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic and social development.

“The timing of this project is very intentional. We learned a lot of lessons from COVID-19, and we are keen to continue strengthening our health sector through capacity building of our nation’s greatest asset - our human resources” stated Niniola Williams, Managing Director for DRASA.

Together with partners and beneficiaries, UNDP and DRASA Health Trust are committed to building a safer and more resilient future for all Nigerians.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Niniola Williams
Managing Director
Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust
nwilliams@drasatrust.org

Modestus Chukwulaka
Press and Information Officer
Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Modestus.CHUKWULAKA@eeas.europa.eu
 

Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg
Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead 
United Nations Development Programme, Nigeria
christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org

Note to editors:

About Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust
Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA) Health Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing health champions and preventing infectious diseases. The National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) are leading health institutions in Nigeria, contributing significantly to disease management and surveillance nationwide.  This project is a component of the One UN Basket Funds response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

About the European Union:
The European Union is a unique partnership among 27 European countries. These countries are determined to shape their future together.  For over 65 years, they have built a zone of peace, stability, progress and solidarity.  The European Union is a model for overcoming conflict and promoting reconciliation through close co-operation to achieve common goals, while respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The ambition of the European Union is to share its achievements and its values with countries and people beyond its borders. Learn more: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/nigeria_en?s=114

About UNDP:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Nigeria, UNDP provides technical and policy development support to the Federal Government of Nigeria, supporting the implementation of interventions across various thematic areas to meet national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more: https://www.undp.org/nigeria